10 Jan 2019

Official at the Tutume Sub-district Council, Ms Kelapile Mphotho, says implementation of the District Development Plan 8 (DDP8) projects is sailing smoothly.

Speaking at a mid-term review consultation meeting in Tutume on Wednesday, Ms Mphotho said 31 houses had been constructed through destitute housing programme.

Out of this number, 16 were constructed during 2017/18 financial year while the other 15 were constructed in the  2018/19 financial year.

She also said 66 houses had been constructed through Rural Areas Dwellers Programme (RADP) of which 33 were constructed in 2017/18 financial year while the other 33 were constructed during 2018/19 financial year in seven RADP villages.

Ms Mphotho noted that Tutume village infrastructure development project, which entailed construction of internal roads and three bridge as well as street lights, was 49 per cent complete against the targeted 44 per cent.
Completion date is March 2020.

She further informed the meeting that 425 youths benefited from Youth Development Fund (YDF) since inception of the programme.

Out of this number, 385 projects were operational while 34 had collapsed.

The programme created employment for 683 youths, according to the principal economist.

In addition, Ms Mphotho said through poverty eradication programme, 1 210 beneficiaries were funded.

She said 2 543 were assessed and 1 636 qualified for funding. She said 935 projects were operational and 33 excelling.

She said some projects under Ipelegeng, RADP and destitute housing, SHHA and school feeding programmes would continue for the remainder of the plan period.

In his advise, MP for Nkange, Mr Edwin Batshu said from what he had observed, the constituents were eager for developments.

He said shortage of funds hindered government to implement some of the planned projects hence some ending up being shifted to the next development plan.

Mr Batshu applauded VDC representatives for their commitment, teamwork and contribution during district development plans.

Meanwhile, Tutume Sub-District deputy district commissioner, Ms Utlwanang Kerekang, said the objective of the meeting was to review DDP8 projects and identify challenges and came with recommendations. Ends