07 Feb 2018

Chanoga community horticulture project has finally commenced with funding assistance from the Office of the President.

The project followed the decision by the Office of the President to identify six villages where the project could be piloted under Poverty Eradication Programme.

A team from the office paid the community a visit in 2016 to inform them about the intended project and they welcomed it.

The idea is to plough in one area for the benefit of the community.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi expressed happiness in an interview that the project has finally kick started at the land where the poverty eradication seminar was held.

The plot is commonly known as ‘Nyeletso lehuma square’ and it was allocated to the community, thanks to Kgosi Setlhodi, who requested it from the government so that they could start sustainable projects that would uplift the living standards of the needy and also benefit the entire community.

He said government intention was to start the projects where there is reliable water source and Chanoga was chosen due to proximity to Thamalakane River.

He also stated that they had long waited patiently for the project, adding that it would make a huge impact in the lives of the communities as many would make ends meet considering the fact that most backyard gardens were not doing well due to shortage of water.

Kgosi Setlhodi further explained that water reticulation works were ongoing, noting that the contractor was on site and working round the clock to fence the plot, install the tank, pipes and solar panels, which would be used to pump water from the river.

“This horticulture project will promote team spirit, cooperation and unity among the communities as they will have the opportunity to interact and share ideas to grow their businesses,” he added.

Kgosi Setlhodi said the project would also revive the spirit of self-reliance, volunteerism and reduce the dependency syndrome on government assistance.

Meanwhile, since the plot is big and situated along the Maun/Francistown road, the former village development committee chairperson, Mr Philemon Dicheleketo once indicated in an interview that they also intended to establish some factory shells, which would accommodate other poverty eradication beneficiaries.

He believed that the proposed factory shells would be ideal as they would be placed in one centre, where all could access the services easily. ENDS