18 Oct 2016

Community trusts that have been funded from the National Environment Fund (NEF) have been urged to utilise the money diligently and ensure that the benefits reach most members in their respective areas.

The NEF funded projects to some P12. 4 million  across the country that responded to a call for proposal in January. It has been reported that out of 191 proposals received only 10 got the green light.

Speaking during the official closure of the three-day training for beneficiaries, deputy district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka commended the beneficiaries for having put together sound proposals and urged them to put the money to good use to ensure their intended projects produce positive results.

He said the training was a good step as it would equip the beneficiaries with the necessary tool to effectively undertake their projects and improve Botswana’s environmental integrity and people’s livelihoods for future generations to inherit.

He explained that the training was informed by the past experiences, which revealed that it was necessity to go a step further than just issuing grants to the organizations but provide tools necessary for implementation.

Mr Waloka further told beneficiaries that the fund was established to support projects that would help Botswana achieve the national environmental agenda and meet her international obligations; while simultaneously achieving her objective of improvement of community livelihoods, especially those dependent on natural resources.

“It is therefore befitting that your projects have been supported through this fund and they are in line with NEF purpose as per the National Environmental Fund Order,” he added.

National Environmental Fund Order states that the fund was established for purposes of financing activities that provide for sustainable development; sustainable use of natural resources and activities related thereto development and implementation of community based natural resources management; waste management and eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

In the Ngamiland, Zoba Style Community Trust from Gumare has been sponsored to some P247 000. In an interview, group member, Mr Lucky David expressed gladness that their project proposal dubbed ‘My Delta My treasure’ was approved. ENDS