14 Mar 2016

The number of people pleading for destitute safety nets programme continues to grow despite government’s concerted efforts to fight and eradicate poverty. 

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Otse recently, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen said the situation contradicted government’s expectation that programmes such as poverty eradication and economic empowerment would reduce reliance on government safety nets.

The assistant minister encouraged residents to make the best use of existing programmes to sustain themselves and their families.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen encouraged residents to reduce their reliance on Ipelegeng.

He noted that the programme was designed as a temporary relief measure for those severely under economic duress, adding that it was never the objective of the government to make Ipelegeng permanent. 

He further decried the fact that young were working under the programme yet they have other alternatives.

He encouraged the community not to pressurise the government on programmes that only bring temporary relief while they disregard those that could change their lives.

Welcoming the minister, Otse North Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr David Letshoo complained about public service employees who default with their rentals despite the fact that VDCs give them priority and offers low prices.

In addition, Mr Letshoo said some officers left hefty water and electricity bills when going on transfers.

He said the Otse community appreciated economic empowerment programmes as well as the help from the Social and Community Development office. ENDS