24 Jun 2020

 Councillors in the Palapye Administrative Authority (PAA) have demanded a report of the first phase of COVID-19 Food Relief Programme.

They argued that for them to contribute to the proposed second phase of the programme, they should be furnished with a report on how things progressed in the first phase.

The demands were raised during a special full council meeting on June 22 following a presentation on the proposed second phase by the Central District Council secretary, Mr Godimo Garegope.

The proposal had some changes, which were informed by the fact that movement had been eased and businesses allowed to operate.

Morupule ward councillor, Mr Jordan Makhura, appreciated that some residents from his ward benefitted from the programme.

However, he said a report on the previous phase  could give insight on the challenges experienced and how to improve.

Councilor for Lotsane- Thomadithotse, Mr Omphemetse Kgotaetsile, said some businesses had not received payment for the services provided during lockdown though that should have happened beginning of June.

The council resorted to voting and 19 councillors voted not to proceed with the proposed programme pending the report while five supported the presentation. 

Two councillors abstained.

Meanwhile, Central District Council (CDC) chairperson, Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe told the special full council that government had budgeted P200 million.

He said a data base from the previous programme would be used to re-assess beneficiaries.

He also noted that a proposal was made for vouchers to be utilised by beneficiaries in the second phase to empower local businesses.ends