05 May 2016

Residents of Gerald Estates in Francistown have been urged to be self-reliant in order to limit dependency on state welfare, donations and family members.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane said this at a kgotla meeting in the constituency on Tuesday, noting that there was need for communities to work collectively with government to fight poverty.

He urged residents to cultivate the spirit of self-reliance and show compassion towards less privileged members of their community.

The MP said while government was doing all in its power to provide shelter to the needy, the effort was still inadequate and called on individuals to contribute to the cause.

MP Moswaane also updated the meeting on the empowerment programmes of the Department of Gender Affairs and that of the youth and implored his constituents to form groups so that they could benefit from them.

The Ward Development Committee chairperson, Mr Luvy Maphongo complained about the slow implementation of poverty eradication programmes in his area and decried lack of recreational centres as well as other developments.

He said young people had different skills, experiences, lifestyles, challenges and capacities that needed to be nurtured adding that they were roaming the streets with no work do to.

Responding to some of the issues raised by the WDC chairperson, MP Moswaane called for the speedy implementation of the poverty eradication programme in his area.

He said although he was aware that programme officers were guided by stipulated guidelines, some cases require special treatment.

MP Moswaane has volunteered one of his vehicles to assist social workers on their assessments work and also those who needed help with business plans.

He urged the residents to come up with solutions to their problems adding that those living under abject poverty should be assisted accordingly