22 Nov 2017

Lack of operational space has been identified as a serious challenge that negatively affect most of youth projects funded under Youth Development Fund.

While lack of commitment and passion was also cited as a challenge which led to many projects collapsing, many youth stated that operational space was a major problem due to high rentals.

District youth coordinator, Mr Odiretsemang Molao confirmed in an interview that he was aware of challenges faced by youth such as shortage of trading spaces due to high rentals and infrastructure to carry out their businesses.

He appreciated that indeed the rentals were high, noting that some beneficiaries were paying over P7 000 for rentals.

He also revealed that efforts were underway to address the challenge, saying the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development had identified some old structures which they intended to refurbish to accommodate youth projects.

He appreciated that the council allocated them an Old RADS hostel at Nokaneng village, adding that logistics to refurbish the facility were at an advanced stage as they managed to carry out the bill of quantities and currently awaiting funding.

Mr Moalo said funds permitting, they were also intending to renovate the Botswana National Youth Council building situated at Chobe ward in Maun.

In addition, he said the council had also put aside 30 recreational plots for youth, adding that currently negotiations were ongoing to convert some of the plots into industrial plots.

He said if the negotiations could go well, they would advise some youths to put up some temporary structures or caravans at the plots and operate their businesses while waiting for land servicing.

On other issues, Mr Molao raised concern over some YDF beneficiaries in the district who were still dragging their feet to service their loans, noting that currently they owed over P7 million.

Since the inception of the programme, the district office assisted 436 young people of which 421 reached the grace period and currently 359 projects were operational while 62 collapsed.

Mr Molao said only three beneficiaries managed to successfully service their loans.

He also stated that tourism projects were doing exceptionally well in the district.

He also advised those not coming forth to pay their loans, adding that they should understand that it was a revolving fund which meant that they should pay back so that others could be assisted.

“I also urged them to liaise with our office for assistance and advise in paying arrangements,” he added.

He also stated that during the monitoring of projects, they had realised that some projects did not need space of rent, hence they could be operated in open spaces, citing a project of cutting keys.

He also indicated that efforts were ongoing to encourage beneficiaries to pay back, adding that they had come up with some initiatives citing the recent Pitso where they talked to beneficiaries on one on one session to appreciate their challenges and advise them.

Mr Molao said another objective of the Pitso was to discuss strategies on how they could serve young people diligently and to sensitise them about the clause which gave the office the powers to take proper action against defaulters.

He encouraged young people to take their businesses seriously, noting that many youth businesses had collapsed due to lack of passion for such business projects.

The government, he said, aimed at empowering the youth, hence the funding for such projects.

Mr Molao noted that if one had passion, business ideas would flow and result in business growth, success and job creation for fellow citizens. ENDS