18 May 2016

Former vice president,Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, has urged beneficiaries of government programmes to show commitment on their projects.

Addresing a kgotla meeting in Palapye on Tuesday, Dr Kedikilwe said government was making concerted efforts to improve the livelihood of Batswana through various programmes such as Poverty Eradication Programme, LIMID and Youth Development Fund.

He said these programmes were aimed at helping Batswana start their own business projects so that ultimately they became self-reliant.He said it was therefore upon beneficiaries to work hard to build sustainable and successful business projects that will not only help improve the livelihoods but will also make a positive impact on the economy.

He said President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama appointed the Presidential Inspectorate Team that he was chairing.He said the team was expected to undertake periodic inspections of government programmes and projects.

In addition the team, he said would undertake risk assessment and propose mitigation strategies for programmes and projects that had been inspected.The team will among others advise President Khama on matters relating to the successful implementation of government programmes and projects. Dr Kedikilwe was accompanied by other team members being Mr Gabolekwe Tlogelang, Ms Mapula Modise, and Ms Mmapula Phuduhudu.

For their part, backyard gardening beneficiaries decried high water bills which they said made it difficult for the programme to be beneficial to them.Most Youth Development Fund beneficiaries decried high rentals as the main challenge.

They said rental in Palapye was very high because the village is growing at a fast pace hence a high demand for business space.They said the little profit they make goes to rental and transportation.  ENDS