06 Dec 2017

The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale has told Parliament that the Poverty Eradication Programme has not been evaluated.

Mr Molale, who was answering a question from Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, noted however that Statistics Botswana was engaged to conduct a multi-topic household survey, a study which he said would provide indicators on the impact of the programme.

He said the survey was started in November 2015 and was completed in October 2016, adding that Statistics Botswana was currently analysing the data to provide poverty indicators. Mr Molale said the results of the survey were expected before the end of the financial year. 

Furthermore, he explained that the amount used on the programme since inception was P836 million, pointing out that it should be noted that the amount covered packages or projects for beneficiaries as well as administrative functions and logistics. MP Keorapetse had wanted to know whether the Poverty Eradication Programme had been evaluated, and if so, he asked that MPs be furnished with the report.

He also wanted to know the costs of the project since its inception as well as the percentage or numbers by which the programme had reduced poverty. ENDS