11 Dec 2013

Tonota constituency has nine backyard gardens that are complete, says the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

He said out of the nine projects, only six were operational while three were awaiting  water connections. Mr Masisi said a total of 28 backyard gardens were under construction. He, however, noted that due to the current drought experienced countrywide, the intensity of constructing backyard gardens has been reduced.

With regard to alternative packages, Mr Masisi said 106 projects have been completed and were operational while five were still being rolled out. He said 430 people have been assessed, adding that out of the number, 260 beneficiaries qualified and were awaiting both training and enrollment. Mr Masisi said he was aware that there were some beneficiaries who have been trained and were still awaiting to be given packages.

He said due to the high demand for poverty eradication programmes, a number of people were assessed and that those who qualify were trained.


“However, challenges such as long procurement procedures, incomplete equipment in the market and shortage of water to mention just a few, results in some people having to wait for packages,” he said.

He also noted that a programme that generates such interest would attract a lot of people resulting in pressure on resources, hence some delay. He said feedback on the procurement status of beneficiaries’ equipment and materials was communicated to them to avert despondency.


Mr Masisi also announced that the next poverty eradication Pitso would be held in Jamakata in Tonota constituency at the end of February 2014. Tonota North MP, Mr Fidelis Molao had asked the minister how many people have benefited from the poverty eradication programme in Tonota North constituency since inception. He also wanted to know how many have been assessed and were awaiting to benefit to date.


Mr Molao also asked the minister if he was aware that many people who have already been trained on the programmes they chose have not yet benefited. He also wanted to know whether the delays do not cause despondency on beneficiaries, and when the poverty eradication workshop would be staged in Tonota constituency. ENDS