26 Aug 2019

Mmankgodi Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Ian Mafoko has complained about the delay in the Poverty Eradication Programme.

Mr Mafoko informed a kgotla meeting addressed by the Member of Parliament for Gabane-Mmankgodi, Maj. Gen. Pius Mokgware recently that beneficiaries waited long to be assisted.

He said they had queried about the delay but nothing had changed.

Mr Mafoko said many had lost hope and some who benefited failed to make it owing to various reasons.

In response, Maj. Gen. Mokgware acknowledged that the complaints were raised in the past and many who were assessed had not been assisted.

He said some applications dated as far back as 2012 adding that the delay was countrywide.

The MP said he raised the matter during the last Parliament session but the main challenge was shortage of funds.

On other community issues, the VDC chair complained about delays in projects planned for, which were to be implemented using the constituency development funds.

He stated that residents were helping themselves to paving bricks meant for the internal roads.

Maj. Gen. Mokgware was surprised at the VDC report and stated that the information he had received from the council was that the project was progressing.

He encouraged them not to wait for kgotla meetings but liaise with his office when something went amiss. Ends