12 Dec 2016

The Southern District Council (SDC) chairman says the Poverty Eradication Programme continues to change lives in the district.

Speaking during the on-going full council meeting in Kanye recently, Mr Alec Seametso said 103 people had so far been funded to do 723 projects both as individuals and groups this financial year, which had brought the total number of beneficiaries to 782.

He shared that 613 projects out of the total number were operational, 104 non operational, while six had failed. Mr Seametso however noted that 63 projects were a success story of the programme in the district.

He added that the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, which was also charged with the implementation of the programme was also making strides.

Since July this year, he stated that the ministry had funded 92 beneficiaries out of 401 had received small stock, while 156 Tswana chickens were distributed to 26 out of 159 applicants. Mr Seametso further shared that 59 out of 90

beneficiaries received 2 950 layers, one beneficiary issued with 11 rabbits while nine others were assisted to do leather work business.

However, Mr Seametso said the district was experiencing shortage of supply of small stock and Tswana chickens thus urged residents to take advantage and sell to government.

On other issues, the chairman highlighted that the district was also implementing the Affirmative Action Framework with the view to improve the livelihoods of remote area communities.

 He said Botswana Police Services (BPS) and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) were leading the pack in the provision of job opportunities to the youth in remote area communities.

This year alone, he said BPS presented 24 women and 23 men from different settlements with job interview opportunities while BDF invited four, but still awaiting feedback.

He said the Department of Tribal Administration (DTS) had furthermore conducted interviews for cleaners in October where two youths from Itholoke were shortlisted.

Mr Seametso applauded BPS, BDF and DTS for their active efforts and urged other departments to take cue. ENDS