13 Nov 2017

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has pleaded with poverty eradication beneficiaries to use the programme to their advantage and graduate from poverty.

Mr Slumber Tsogwane, who was addressing a kgotla meeting in Mosu on Friday, said government intended to create job opportunities through the programme.

He emphasised that poverty eradication officers would in the near future shift from registering deserving beneficiaries and focus on monitoring and establishing the number of beneficiaries who had graduated from the programme.

“Funds used for the programme could be used to enhance other services, but those funds are now channeled towards enhancing the livelihoods of Batswana and that should translate to capital invested,” he said.

Briefing the minister, the Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Joseph Mabe requested for an increase of Ipelegeng slots.

Mr Mabe also told the minister that there were plans to build a service centre at Mosu, but that the implementation process has not materialised.

He also complained about lack of electricity and water at local social and community welfare development offices.

Mr Mabe also expressed concern over shortage of books at the primary school, saying it occured on a regular basis thereby affecting the learning process.

One of the residents, Mr Stephen Otumile complained that the Ipelegeng programme waiting list took more than three months, saying it was an indication of the need to increase slots.

Mr Otumile also suggested that there should be staff deployed to specifically deal with the control of elephants’ movement.

In response, senior assistant council secretary, Mr Onthatile Molelu said the extension office for Mosu was planned for, but could only be established provided funds permit.

Mr Molelu confirmed that the social and community welfare office was not electrified, adding that the electrical department was understaffed.

He said the maintenance of offices in the sub-district was lagging behind due to lack of funds.

Wildlife official, Mr John Kepaletswe pleaded with residents to avoid provoking elephants, adding that they should uphold human-wildlife co-existence and curb human/wildlife conflict. BOPA