13 Sep 2020

 The Ipelegeng programme is said to be experiencing a deficit of over P3.3m due to a delay by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to disburse funds to Ghanzi East Sub-council.

The Sub-council Ipelegeng coordinator, Mr Kapuara Tshenolo told councilors recently that P1.8 million was for 2019/2020 approved project memorandum shortfall.

He further explained that over P1. 5 million was brought from 2017/2018 financial year as funds for a three per cent wage increment and 167 employment additional slots.

He said the outstanding funds were expected to have been disbursed before the end of March 2020.

Mr Tshenolo assured councillors that the delay in the disbursement of funds had no impact on the Ipelegeng programme as they had an advance from the council.

Regarding the current fiscal year, he said, they had initially budgeted over P16m for Ipelegeng programme to take care of wages of 585 cleaners in various primary and secondary schools, brigades, 44 breakfast cooks in primary schools, salaries for COVID-19 scorpions and the associates benefits, procurement of personal protective clothing and provision for domestic requisites and training workshops for COVID-19 scorpions.

He however said following the recent transformation of Ipelegeng programme, they had sent a new project memorandum for approval.

Mr Tshenolo stated that they were currently operating with an advance from the council and the expenditure for month of August 2020 stood at over P2.5 million.

Commenting, Councillors Jeremiah Tibi and Ezekiel Kajuu expressed worry that delays in disbursing Ipelegeng funds had affected council budget, which would impact on implementation of some council projects and activities. ENDS