31 Jan 2018

Residents of Otse have complained about government empowerment programmes which they say are failing them.

They raised their complaints during a kgotla meeting in Otse recently addressed by Ramotswa Member of Parliament, Mr Samuel Rantuana.

Residents said youth unemployment remains a concern despite existing efforts to address youth joblessness.

The chairperson of the village development committee (VDC), Mr James Rapulana said youth unemployment remains the major concern for residents of the village.

He said many youths have tried various government schemes such as LIMID and Youth Development Fund, but that their lives have not improved.

Mr Rapulana attributed the situation to lack of monitoring by government on one hand and the lack of youth commitment towards their projects on the other.

He said the youth end up indulging in drugs alcohol and substance abuse because there were no recreational facilities in the village.

For his part, Mr Rantuana said the government was failing the youth.

He said it was worrisome to see graduates moving around looking for jobs while there were shortages of employees in government offices.

Mr Rantuana stated that it was high time the government seriously addressed youth unemployment and challenges facing young people.

The MP also regretted that the Department of Gender Affairs has suspended financing women to start economic generating projects despite that there was a long list awaiting to be financed.

The MP was responding to comments raised by residents that they had long applied to be assisted by the department but they have never received any correspondence.

He said government ought to review the projects in order to stop giving residents false hope.

For his comments, Kgosi Mothusi Tsetse of Otse complained about periodic power cuts during rainy days.

Kgosi Tsetse said it was the main concern in the community because it affected business operations.

He encouraged residents that they have to be responsible in supporting their children’s education by buying them school uniform.ENDS