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He said that the programme seems to only target developmental projects without paying attention to how it has rescued Batswana from drought. "If that is the case, then this is not drought relief, but expediting developmental projects," said Mauano. He said that instead of blaming the policies of the ruling party, councillors should sit down and see how they can best help Batswana. Another councillor was worried that tenders to undertake construction projects were always given to outsiders at the expense of locals who desperately need empowerment from the drought relief programme. "If there is a law that does not prohibit you to hire outsiders, then that means there is also no law that prohibits you to hire locals for these construction projects," the councillor said. He expressed worry that the programme does not target local people but empowers outsiders. He cited 'small' projects like building toilets. He said people are hired from as far as Francistown to construct the toilets when there are locals who can do the job. Earlier on drought relief programme co-ordinator for the area, Richard Moitoi presented a gloomy report of deferred projects due to insufficient funds and rains. The projects are mainly construction of government houses, Kgotla shelters and roads. Moitoi said the 103 projects in different villages in Ngami District commenced last September, but had to be stopped in January due to financial constraints. Some of the projects like the eight Kgotla shelters are complete and 38 others are near completion. He was hopeful that now that the council has availed finances, they would complete the remaining projects.
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