26 Mar 2013

Some residents of Chanoga and the surrounding settlements have applauded government’s efforts to eradicate abject poverty in the country.

 

They said government has taken a well calculated leading role by introducing various empowerment programmes geared at improving the lives of all Batswana, adding that since the introduction of the programmes, most communities’ lives had changed for the better. 

 

One of the elders from Ikoga settlement, Mr Tubedzi Kabayo said most communities in Ngamiland district depended on livestock and arable farming but were disheartened by changes in rainfall patterns which, he said, had frustrated government efforts in promoting the agricultural sector.

 

He said another issue which discouraged livestock farmers was the constant outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in the area. He however noted that with the government assistance, they would never despair.

 

Another resident, Mr Poifo Samosupa, who is also a member of Chanoga Village Development Committee, commended the government for a job well done in empowering Batswana through poverty eradication programmes and other alternative packages.

 

Mr Samosupa said most of the residents had already ventured into businesses like sewing, bakery, leatherwork and small stock. “I am impressed as the programme offers high quality education as people acquire skills and knowledge on how to run businesses”,  he said.

 

He also praised the government for choosing Chanoga as a host, noting that the workshop had brought developments in their village. He also expressed concern about young people who, after training, relocate to Maun to start businesses there.

 

Mr Samuel Makgobi of Kookale settlement near Chanoga, who is a retired civil servant, shared the same sentiments regarding changes in rainfall patterns and noted that all the programmes under poverty eradication were easy to tap into but the problem was shortage of water. 

 

He noted that the programme encouraged self-reliance among the communities. Meanwhile, the workshop, which started on Monday, attracted over 800 beneficiaries from the district. 

Beneficiaries were taught basic business management and different facilitators explained that to run a business successfully, there was need for skills development. ENDS