13 Oct 2019

Four beneficiaries from Xaixai in the North West District, who went to India for a short course on basic installation of solar systems are crying foul.

The beneficiaries, who went to India in September 2016, where they completed a six-month course said the knowledge and skills they acquired was not fully utilised.

They said upon their return, the district council promised to involve them in a solar lightning project that would keep them active, but nothing came of it.

The training was a result of a partnership between the North West District Council, Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and the Indian government.

HRDC was requested to bring people who could be trained on installation of solar systems and they liaised with the council and the village leadership to nominate people from Xaixai, hence the four beneficiaries.

In an interview with one of the beneficiaries, Ms Rimana Marenga said they were promised some equipment to use what they had learnt, but it was taking long.

She wanted explanation from both the council and HRDC, noting that they had high hopes that the course would improve their livelihoods and the community’s.

Despite the assistance from HRDC, she said their information, knowledge and skills were wasted since they were not practicing what they acquired in India.

Ms Marenga said the expectation was for them to impart the skills to others, while earning a living. 

The area councillor, Mr Lelejwang Sokwe admitted that there had been a delay in assisting the beneficiaries, but stated that something was being done.

He said the Okavango Sub-district Council had submitted a proposal and attached a project memorandum requesting P430 000 for the said project to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The project, he said, would be run by the four beneficiaries since government intended to embark on solar electrification of some villages.

Mr Sokwe revealed that the intention was to see communities venturing into projects that contribute significantly to local economies.

He apologised to the beneficiaries and urged them to remain patient as the council was working on the logistics. ENDS