28 Aug 2013

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dr Gloria Somolekae has expressed disappointment over the disorganisation displayed by the Chobe poverty eradication committee.


This came after the committee failed to present a report on their progress in rolling out the programme in the district.
 On a visit to the area to assess both the district disability and poverty eradication committees on August 26, Dr Somolekae said it was the worst scenario she had ever come across since visiting various districts for assessment. 


“This region has a high incidence of HIV and AIDS as well as high numbers of people living in poverty, as such I expect high levels of passion and energy,” she noted. 
She expressed her disappointment after realising that the committee had no report to present though she had come primarily to assess their progress.

“I can see that there is a problem, committee members do not even remember the last time they met,” she remarked. 
Dr Somolekae wanted to know the exact dates the committees were formed as well as the dates for their last seating. The assistant minister emphasised that poverty eradication drive was the flagship project for the nation and as such needed to be given the attention it deserved, especially since it dealt with people living in abject poverty.

“An effective structure is the only mechanism that will ensure the success of these programmes,” she said. 
Dr Somolekae also highlighted the need for every citizen to enjoy all government initiatives irrespective of their physical status.
 Commenting on the briefing by a representative of the disability committee, Dr Steven Makuka, the minister advised the committee to conduct an inventory and register all people living with disabilities as opposed to relying only on the number of those who had come forth to register.


However, shortage of transport was cited as a challenge for the committee working with people with disabilities especially that there was no rehabilitation officer in the region. 
This led to a situation where patients who required physiotherapy being referred to Maun which is around 600 kilometers from Kasane.


According to the report, there were 146 registered people living with disabilities in Chobe, out of the total population of just over 23 000.
Some of the people end up regressing after missing their physiotherapy appointments due to unavailability of transport.


Dr Makuka also reported that there was a shortage of wheel chairs and other assisted devices in the district and further mentioned that ten wheel chairs were needed urgently.
Dr Somolekae promised to do something about the issue through her office to augment the efforts of the Ministry of health.
The minister also met with Chobe junior secondary school students and Non-Governmental Organisations. ENDS