28 Jul 2013

Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Vincent Seretse says the implementation of poverty eradication projects is lagging behind.

Addressing council officials regarding beneficiaries of the Chanoga poverty eradication Pitso, Mr Seretse said the programme was rated highly by government as it dealt with the livelihoods of disadvantaged individuals and families. “When you change these peoples’ lives in a manner that they are no longer dependent on government and other people, it gives them dignity,” he said.

He also indicated that the revenue that the beneficiaries generated from these projects would be used to better their livelihoods. Mr Seretse expressed concern that delivery was not at the desired pace. “These people have gone for training and now have to wait a long time before they receive their equipment, which in turn gets them disillusioned,” he said.

He further said his mission was to come and see progress on these projects in terms of implementation and challenges they are facing. The assistant minister acknowledged concerns raised by government officials regarding procurement processes, which take a long time and also the operating spaces, which many of the beneficiaries do not have. “Some projects that I have seen so far in Chanoga, Maun and neighbouring villages are satisfactory,” he said.

He indicated that it was government’s hope that the beneficiaries would graduate to small medium enterprises (SME’s) and stand on their own and eventually create room for other people.

Mr Seretse consequently said the expected outcomes of the programme are for individuals and families to be economically empowered with enhanced self-esteem and be productive and innovative individuals amongst others.

For his part, the North West District Council (NWDC) chief community development officer, Mr Uyapo Mafunye reported that with 1 000 eligible beneficiaries targeted, the project was moving forth with 737 beneficiaries because 116 of the chosen 1000 to operate kiosks were cancelled.

“The remainder has opted on projects outside the 17 projects stipulated by government and despite this, of the 737 beneficiaries 59 are running operational projects,” he said.

Mr Mafunye decried the limited number of suppliers in the district, limited training institutions, shortage of transport and manpower and indecision by beneficiaries on project selection.

However, despite these challenges, Mr Mafunye said, they were sourcing materials and equipment from outside the district and have managed to secure operational spaces from Village Development Committees (VDCs) and government facilities.

Amongst the beneficiaries that the assistant minister talked to was Mr Edwin Phalane, who operates small stock and has become an instant success. The assistant minister also met with Ms Odirile Gakelona and Ms Taboka Puo who run a successful catering company.

Ms Gakelona said their business is booming and they have been able to open bank accounts. “We have catered for so many customers amongst them the Maun Administrative Authority and ABM University College,” she said.

She said they are very appreciative of the poverty eradication programme as it has enabled them to support their families.ENDS