07 Nov 2013

Member of Parliament for Tonota North, Mr Fidelis Molao has complained of poor implementations of the poverty eradication programmes in his constituency.

Commenting on the State-of-the-Nation Address in Parliament on November 6, Mr Molao applauded government for remaining steadfast in its goal of eradicating abject poverty among Batswana, but however raised a concern on the implementation of such programs saying that the projects had proven viable if well managed and monitored.

He attributed the poor implementations of projects to shortage of public servants and resources in Tonota North constituency, which he said needed to be addressed to remedy the high poverty rate in his constituency.

He cited poor roads networks in his constituency and the vastness of the area as key factors that contributed immensely to poor implementation government policies in the area. He said Tonota North constituents were waiting with bated breath for their district to host the next poverty eradication workshop as it was announced during the Damchuchina workshop.

“The community that I serve is hopeful that the upcoming poverty eradication workshop to be held in Tonota North will be of great importance in uplifting their livelihoods and empowering them with the basic necessities that will elevate them from the hardships of life,” he said.

Mr Molao also pleaded with government to consider improving public service welfare, explaining that the public service sector plays an important role in service providing and government policy implementation particularly in rural areas where the majority of the citizenry resides.

He indicated that it is satisfactory that, members of cabinet have made a point of meeting with public service at local levels to gain better insight into their concerns, as well as the challenges they face in delivery services to the community they serve.

He, however, called for a serious introspection on the progression of public servants in out stations highlighting that their proximity from their main department headquarters should not deprive them the opportunity to get promoted should there be proof that they excel in their duties.

Mr Molao said the playing field for public servants in urban areas and rural areas should be leveled to ensure a fair and transparent progression for both of them.   Furthermore, he said government should look into the number of years public servants stay in rural areas since he said it might affect their progression and demotivate them. He said shortage of accommodation for public servants remains a thorny issue that need to be resolved to motivate them. ENDS