17 Nov 2013

It takes about three months for poverty eradication applicants to be assisted in Francistown.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso told Parliament on November 14 that, however, the actual time span could vary depending on factors such as the time taken to identify suitable courses and training institutions.

The actual time span could be affected by factors such as the availability of slots at the identified training institute, the identification of a critical number of trainees for group training, whether the client had all the skills needed to operate the project they have chosen, the availability of suitable operational space as well as the time taken to procure equipment for the project.

She stated that those with requisite skills and suitable operational space got assistance immediately after approval and this might reduce the time to less than three months. Ms Tshireletso noted that the total number of people who were on the waiting list in the Francistown South constituency was 585, out of which 117 had already been assessed and weree awaiting training.

The first application for poverty eradication projects was made in September 2011 and registration for the programme was continuous. Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister to state the time frame it takes for poverty eradication applicants to be assisted in Francistown.

MP Mmolotsi also wanted the number of people who are currently on the waiting list in the Francistown South Constituency and when the oldest application was made. ENDS