01 Mar 2017

Poverty Eradication Programme beneficiaries do not necessarily make returns when their packages are over-subscribed.

Answering a question in Parliament on February 28, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale said beneficiaries who applied for projects that were over-subscribed in their areas were normally called for consultative meetings and advised to choose projects that were more likely to be viable within their locality.

“The main aim of this programme is to make sure that packages are sustainable. Over-trading would therefore not be sustainable,” he said.

Mr Molale said since some of the packages were over-traded such as kiosk, tenet and pots hire, catering and salons, new packages had been introduced in order to further diversity.

The new packages, he said included egg layers project, small and medium machinery that manufacture a diversity of products, cluster gardens and fish farming.

“This list is non-exhaustive and beneficiaries are not limited to the stated projects. They can choose any project based on their passion, acquired skills and talents. It must however be noted that beneficiaries are not allowed to engage in businesses that are deemed illegal and hazardous to human life and the environment,” he said.

Minister Molale said he had noted that the Gaborone Region supplied 36 gazebos to beneficiaries between November 2016 and February 2017 instead of tents.

“What is disconcerting is that this was done against my guidance and counsel. It will be noted that I previously informed this House that packaging of gazebos was halted. I am dealing with this matter administratively,” the minister said.

Furthermore, he explained that out of the 36 beneficiaries packaged, 10 were fully operational and doing well, adding the rest would be monitored and reviewed within three months from the time of packaging (January and February).

Parliament was also informed that 11 kiosks were funded at Bontleng Ward, out of which 10 were operational. ENDS