Ralotsia admits ISPAAD failures
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday November 29, 2017 18:00
Government spends millions of pula every year through ISPAAD in an effort to improve food production in the country. However, desired results have not been forthcoming with the import bill continuously rising. He said compared to the Livestock Management and Infrastructaure Development (LIMID), ISPAAD results have been stagnant.
Speaking during the launch of his ministry’s seven-year strategic plan yesterday, Ralotsia lamented the lack of progress made by ISPAAD.
“You will agree with me that the investment doesn’t match the return because of the abuse that is apparent in ISPAAD. We lose millions of pula every year trying to improve food security of this country,” said Ralotsia.
He indicated that the programme has been riddled with acts of corruption, something that derailed its intended mandate.
“People register, distribute to people who are not aware or not existent under the programme for provision of fertilisers. Fertilisers are being sold. They think it is not paid for but, someone is paying for it.” He further said they are investigating a fresh incident in which a certain local company was found packaging old, expired fertiliser and rotten seeds. According to him, this could not be anything else, but an act of corruption, which should not be left unpunished. Although he could not divulge the name of the company, he said action will be taken.
“There are some contaminated individuals who want to contaminate the system. We are losing millions to this scam. You shall all stay guard, we don’t want to lock people in but, we will do it,” he added.
He said the strategic plan sets the stage for actions, investments and the development of tools that will advance increased production of fresh, healthy, safe and more affordable locally produced foodstuffs, and new economic opportunities for Batswana.
Moreover, he added that this will guide as a framework through which the ministry will apply resources and strengths to exploit the available opportunities to maximise production and commercialise agriculture.
Permanent secretary, Boipolelo Khumomatlhare said the ministry is reviewing both LIMID and ISPAAD. Meanwhile, different stakeholders have called on the ministry to improve its monitoring and evaluation capacity. Executive director at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, Tebogo Seleka said it is an area which needs strengthening throughout the government departments. He said it is important that programmes such as ISPAAD are subjected to rigorous due diligence processes in order to ensure that they deliver on the expected benefits.