Africa-Press – Botswana. Government continues to lose revenue consequent to the collapse of youth funded businesses.
A report outlining activities implemented in Palapye Sub-district in quarter three (October to December) indicates that to track progress of projects and programmes currently undertaken in the area, four Thematic Working Groups of social upliftment, sustainable environment, governance, safety, security and economy as well as empowerment were adopted.
Speaking during a recent council session, Palapye sub- council chairperson, Mr Jordan Makhura, said there were 249 submissions under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) of which 180 were agriculture, services were 43, manufacturing 24 and tourism two.
Mr Makhura stated that the youth office had thus far, received 25 appeals for the financial year 2022/2023 and more were expected because some applicants received their responses late.
He said cumulatively, loan repayment arrears stood at P37 694 493.
“The office has collected P13 200 out of the targeted P864 000 for the quarter which is 1.53 per cent of the target. This brings the total collected during the financial year to P123 263.01,” stated Mr Makhura.
He said low success rate of youth businesses and poor performance by some YDF projects were reasons behind stunted revenue collection, but promised continued repayment reminder letters and monitoring, mentoring and coaching of beneficiaries.
Mr Makhura said the ministry through Palapye Sub-district office had acquired two pieces of land in Lecheng to be used by young people as shells.
“The intention is to use the land for integrated farming, horticulture, poultry, small stock and others. Consultations with relevant stakeholders and drawing up of the project memorandum will commence soon,” said Mr Makhura.
However, he pointed out that no funds were availed for the project in the current financial year, which meant there would be no developments until funds were availed.
Regarding the improvement of sectoral engagement and commitment to gender mainstreaming, Mr Makhura explained that the Department of Gender Affairs managed to capacitate two sectors being Botswana Police Service and two pre-schools, Agape Day Care and Belino Pre School.
He saidt the department also capacitated 615 people on gender issues during the quarter: 438 males and 177 females against the targeted 100.
Mr Makhura also expressed worry about the teenage pregnancy that was prevalent in the area.
In the first, second and third quarter, a total of 78 teenage pregnancy cases were recorded, but 28 were under age, so they were referred to social workers.
He said Palapye recorded most cases with 40 while Lerala and surrounding areas registered 20.
Mr Makhura said most of the parents stayed in commercial farms, leaving children unattended.
He said the Youth Friendly Services (YFS) nurse was engaged in outreach activities to facilities/catchment to strengthen YFS activities and would continue conducting such activities to farm communities and Lerala area in collaboration with stakeholders for a multi-disciplinary approach.
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