07 Sep 2020

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Thapelo Matsheka says  a total of P1.5 billion was disbursed from COVID-19 Pandemic Relief  Fund as of  September 3.

Dr Matsheka who was responding to Ngami MP, Mr Caterpilla Hikuama said over 2.1 billion had been contributed to the relief  fund since the inception of the fund in April.

Of the total funds contributed, P2 billion was the seed money from the government and the  remaining funds amounting to over P126 million was received from the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and individuals.

He said more than P800 million was disbursed to the wage subsidy, over P350 million was for the food hampers while over P300 million was for health supplies.

Additionally, he said over P58 million was disbursed to the Ministry of Basic Education for temporary employment of Safety, Health and Environmental (SHEs) officers and psychological support.

Moreover he said over P9 million was for evacuation and financial support to Batswana abroad.

Dr Matsheka noted that the disbursement from the funds was made in line with provisions of the Fund Order.

 

Mr Hikuama had asked the minister of finance and economic development ministry to state  the total amount of money contributed to the national COVID Relief Fund and how the money had been spent. BOPA