10 Jun 2018

Mahalapye Sub-district councillors are worried by poor supervision of Ipelegeng projects.

Responding to the 2017/2018 Ipelegeng report, the local authorities were of the view that the Village Development Committee was reluctant in their supervision, resulting in delayed and poorly executed work.

Presenting the report before the sub council session recently, Ipelegeng coordinator, Mr Eric Sephetsolo said the flagship programme was funded with over P30 million to implement 185 projects.

Commenting on the report, Councillor Tumelo Koolekanye of Boseja/Flowertown ward appreciated that all projects under Ipelegeng in the previous financial year were implemented.  Cllr Koolekanye was however concerned by lack of monitoring and poor supervision of the projects.

Cllr Bantlhasetse Merementsi of Oodi/Kodibeleng ward indicated that as long as there is poor supervision of Ipelegeng by VDC, it would be difficult to assessif people engaged to do the job were reluctant. Cllr Merementsi said because of poor supervision, Ipelegeng employees would never be committed. Cllr Samson Kelebale of

Parwe ward was of the view that VDC members were not committed to supervising Ipelegeng projects. Cllr Kelebale said it was an unfortunate situation as some VDC members were politically active, busy focused on their political ambitions, neglecting the VDC.

Deputy district commissioner, Mr Bakuedi Masole also stated that Ipelegeng employees were reluctant to do their job. Mr Masole stated that even though supervision was lacking, the beneficiaries were also not committed. He said even though the programme was aimed at reducing the effects of poverty by creating temporary employment, that the beneficiaries were abusing it.

Mr Masole said the sub district authorities had in the past engaged VDC members in an effort to deal with the challenge. He said government committed millions of Pula annually towards the programme and therefore it would be unfortunate for people to get paid while not doing the job.

Responding to councillors comments, Mr Sephetsolo shared the sentiments, adding that his office was also aware of the fact that VDC members were not doing enough in supervising and monitoring projects.

Mr Sephetsolo said as a development programme, Ipelegeng was assigned to VDC in their respective villages to monitor and supervise on behalf of the councils. Mr Sephetsolo also appealed to councillors to assist in addressing the challenge. Mr Sephetsolo said besides creating short term employment, Ipelegeng contributed immensely to improving livelihoods of people in rural areas.

He also appealed for Ipelegeng funding to be augmented and cater for infrastructural projects. Mr Sephetsolo said Ipelegeng had in the past proved to be a vehicle for infrastructural development in rural areas. The programme has also proved to be a source of income, he said. Ends