08 Jul 2013

The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi says to date the government has done relatively well in the eradication of poverty in some areas of the country.

Minister Masisi pointed out that some poverty eradication projects are doing exceptionally well noting that they decided to identify the excelling projects per district to see if the programme is producing the expected results.

Updating the Botswana Democratic Party National Congress about the progress of the poverty eradication programme in Maun over the weekend, the minister said some districts had made progress in eradicating abject poverty through comprehensive social protection programmes and poverty eradication projects, all which enabled people to live dignified lives.

He noted that at the end of May this year, 1 465 backyard gardens had been completed countrywide and were doing well despite some challenges such as climate change and shortage of water.

Mr Masisi explained that where water is a problem, they encouraged beneficiaries to choose alternative packages which include small stock, bee keeping, bakery or sewing, to mention a few.

He observed that some projects under alternative packages were doing well as 7 328 projects had been rolled out countrywide. He said 4 353 beneficiaries had been trained in business management.

“About P48.5 million has been spent to buy material and train beneficiaries this year and we appreciate that our turn around target is behind in backyard gardens because of water shortage”, he added.

To address the water issue, he said the government has come up with an initiative to harvest water and keep it in container tanks. He also noted that government is negotiating with Water Utilities Corporation to connect beneficiaries.

The minister stated that some districts such as Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Southern were doing well, noting that the aim of the government is to assist 200 families every year to uplift their standard of living.

However, he revealed that areas such as Ngamiland, Okavango, Maun, Kgalagadi and Ghanzi are poverty stricken.

On a positive note, Mr Masisi said the introduction of the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) which aimed at promoting poverty eradication projects was producing positive results.

He thanked President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama whom, he said, identified the Poverty Eradication and Economic Diversification Drive as government’s flagship programmes. He further stated that government took a decision for ministries and departments to support and promote local empowerment by buying local arts and crafts.

The minister said a team led by the Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe had been appointed and was currently doing its best to uproot poverty among Batswana. He said the team ensures strict mentorship of poverty eradication among the beneficiaries and monitors the projects sustainability. ENDS