10 Mar 2016

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, says allowance is made under the material costs vote for districts to purchase small tools to augment whatever is available for use by beneficiaries.

Answering a question in Parliament, Ms Tshireletso said concerted efforts were made to ensure that quality tools were procured for the programme.

She added that adherence was made to supplies regulations for proper upkeep and security of tools to minimise losses.Ms Tshireletso said she was aware of an incident where by an Ipelegeng beneficiary was hit by a car and lost her life whilst sweeping the road.

She, however, mentioned that she was unaware that the cause of the accident was due to lack of proper equipment as alleged.

She also indicated that the matter was still under police investigations.

Ms Tshireletso further noted that she was not aware that Ipelegeng beneficiaries were using own equipment, adding that beneficiaries were not allowed to bring their own working tools as they were not compensated for their breakage or loss.

She was responding to  Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkgaigwa, who asked the minister about what was being done to address shortage of equipment under the Ipelegeng programme and if she was aware that an Ipelegeng employee was hit by a car due to lack of proper equipment.

Mr Nkaigwa also asked the minister if she was aware that Ipelegeng workers had resolved to use their own equipment. Ends