29 May 2013

Nxaraga Community Development Trust board chairman, Mr Benson Kuti has dismissed claims that the trust, which was formed in 2004 collapsed because of poor management, unclear constitution and members’ lack of knowledge.

He however confirmed that the trust was faced with financial constraints as they did not have financiers  and depended on funds contributed by communities.

Mr Kuti who is also the co-founder of the trust explained that since the formation of the trust, they had been doing well as they enjoyed a great support from the community.

Comprising nine villages, the trust’s main objective is to utilize the natural resources in the area with a view to develop the villages and empower communities.

Mr Kuti said the words uttered by the Village development Committee chairperson, Mr Mr Geoffrey Manja recently that the co-founders lacked basic management skills were misleading as currently the members of the board had been re-elected to run the trust as the communities have trust on them.

He also explained that the trust had a constitution which needs to be reviewed noting that the Department of Wildlife has allocated the trust P34 000.

Currently, he said, they are in the process to review their constitution to ensure that it serves the community’s interests.

He said they would also manage to review their management plan.

He said after President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama's visit to the village last year October, a technical advisory committee from office of the district commissioner met with the board members to see how best they could be assisted.

The vice chairman, Mr Olesitse Marewa shared the same sentiments that the trust had been operating well because it was run by people with passion.

He said trust members have brilliant ideas and plans, which could be turned into viable opportunities. Currently, he said, they successfully secured Mosu farm.

The aim of the trust is to establish a cultural village and conference rooms with a view to generate more income and develop the villages under the trust, he added.

Mr Marewa explained that they applied for the farm long back as it had been idling for years. He said the farm was for agricultural research and it was once borrowed to Prison Services.

He said Tawana Land board has requested them to submit their management plan so that they could be awarded a certificate. ENDS