Implementation challenge in North West 19 July, 2012

GUMARE - Implementation, coordination and monitoring of policies continues to be a challenge in the North West District. In a special council meeting to review the District Development Plan Seven (DDP 7) in Gumare recently, assistant district commissioner for Okavango, Mr Thabang Dikatlholo said there was insufficient communication between implementers and communities during the roll out of the plan. He said lack of transport within the district, inaccessibility to remote areas and shortage of manpower has not made the situation any better. This he said has resulted in low uptake of youth empowerment schemes and other programmes meant for the community. He said the main purpose of the mid-term review of the DDP 7 and National Development Plan Ten (NDP 10) was to review major achievements in the implementation of projects and policies. Mr Dikatlholo said it also highlights problem areas, to suggest policy reforms or alternative policies and to prioritise projects for the last half of DDP 7. He however, concurred with the councillors that the plan did not cover most of villages as there were no new projects added to the draft due to financial constraints. He said communities have similar concerns and constraints that affect the development of the district as well as poverty and the high crime rate in the district. To this effect, councillors accepted the Ngamiland DDP 7 with mixed feelings. They felt that the new draft report does not add proposed projects to the original plan to cover most of their villages. Councillors Allen Sokwe and Baphutholodi Kgari of Tsau and Boseja wards respectively said there was no need for the mid-term review, as the country is still experiencing the effects of the recent recession. Councillors were also briefed on key issues raised during mid-term review consultations including frequent outbreaks of natural disasters, high levels of poverty, human-wildlife conflict and staff turn-over. BOPA