14 May 2020

North West District Council (NWDC) deputy chairperson, Mr Lekonne Masoko says shortage of food items has hampered food distribution to the deserving citizens in their area.

Addressing a press conference in Maun on May 12, he said the district was faced with a shortage of maize meal, cooking oil, flour and sugar.

He added that agricultural produce, which were also part of the food basket, were a challenge as they went stale before distribution.

The council, he said, had so far assisted about 69 per cent of those who qualified.

Mr Masoko also said over 17 000 households out of the 35 767 assessed in the district were provided with food relief packages.

He said some households did not qualify for food relief because they had members who earned salaries and other sources of income.

NWDC secretary, Mr Motlogelwa said the district experienced a loss of agricultural produce worth about P17 500, which decayed before being distributed.

He added that farmers supplied more than what the council required.

MAA council chairperson, Mr Vepaune Moreti noted that most wards had been assessed in Maun. He said 496 households were helped under the urgent assistance arrangement.

He urged people not to politicise the COVID-19 food relief programme and to support government regardless of party affiliations. ENDS