15 Jun 2020

The North West District Council will introduce vouchers in the second phase of the food relief programme to assist those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was revealed by the council chairperson, Mr Kebareeditse Ntsogotho at a district emergency operations centre meeting recently.

Mr Ntsogotho said the council decided to introduce vouchers in order for beneficiaries to choose where to buy groceries, especially those in big villages with wholesalers.

He noted that the council completed phase one of distributing food baskets on June 8, adding that they assessed about 41 449 people out of which 31 552 were assisted.

He said those in remote areas would continue to be assisted with food baskets by the council. Mr Ntsogotho also thanked the private sector for coming on board and donating to assist the council in the fight against COVID-19.

Member of Parliament for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando said the introduction of vouchers was a welcome development. Mr Saleshando, however, said it was worrisome that there were numerous complaints from the public that the assessment was unfair.  Ends