13 Sep 2016

Some beneficiaries of the poverty eradication programme in Parakarungu have complained of loss of small stock in large numbers  due  to disease.

Briefing the presidential inspectorate task team, which was touring projects in Chobe, beneficiaries expressed disappointment regarding their losses. 

“I was given 13 goats and now I am left with only four, it all starts with sores on the feet and what makes this difficult to control is that this disease is infectious,” one of the beneficiaries Ms Esther Matengu said.

Another explained how she also lost all the 13 goats she had been given even before she could sell any and noted how this had thrown her back to poverty.

In response, agriculture coordinator in Chobe, Mr Rapelang Sebadieta, said they were aware of the outbreak of the disease and the small stock that had been lost as a result.

 “What we have not been able to establish is whether this infection originated from where these goats were bought in Ghanzi District or here,” he said. 

He further added that they would look into restocking for those who had fallen victim to the disease, funds permitting and after dealing with current backlog cases.

Leader of the team, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri had explained in his remarks that they were in the district to inspect the uptake of government programmes as well as their effectiveness and their general reception. 

He noted that to date more than 20 000 individuals had benefitted from the poverty eradication initiative.

However the meeting also revealed the serious backlog of the initiatives as some individuals complained that they had applied for programs as far back as 2010 but were never responded to. 

Social and community development officer for Parakarungu, Mr Ntungamili Durban, said he had advised some of the applicants to re-apply afresh. ENDS