A significant number of government-funded projects aimed at poverty alleviation and economic empowerment in the North West District have either collapsed or remain non-operational, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such initiatives.
The District Development Committee (DDC) report presented to the full council session indicates that under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme, out of 121 funded projects, only 78 are operational, while 36 have collapsed and others remain non-functional.
The affected projects span various sectors including small stock, cattle production, poultry, piggery, fish production, horticulture, services and manufacturing, reflecting widespread challenges across the programme.
The report further notes that no funding was disbursed in quarter three, as the programme is currently suspended, a situation that has worsened the operational capacity of beneficiaries.
Monitoring data paints a concerning picture. During the reporting period, only 13 beneficiaries were monitored, of which 8 were operational, 4 non-operational and 1 had collapsed, generating a total turnover of just P15,800.00. This is a slight improvement from quarter two, where 37 beneficiaries were monitored but recorded zero revenue.
Challenges affecting the programme include the closure of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that previously supported projects, which has “greatly affected WEE projects exposing beneficiaries to unemployment and poverty,” according to the report.
Beyond the WEE programme, similar challenges are observed in other community-based initiatives. Under Social and Community Development, 27 projects were established, but only 16 are operational, with the remainder failing due to a combination of health issues, social problems, lack of water, and lack of commitment by beneficiaries.
Examples cited in the report include failed tuckshops due to social challenges, a backyard tree nursery that collapsed due to lack of water and commitment, and food catering projects affected by beneficiaries’ ill health.
The report also highlights broader systemic issues affecting project sustainability, including lack of ownership by beneficiaries, poor commitment, inadequate marketing of products, and limited access to operational spaces.
In response, the district has proposed several interventions, including collaboration with the private sector to equip beneficiaries with income-generating skills, as well as intensified monitoring and capacity building.
Authorities also plan to introduce training on group dynamics, mindset change and business management, alongside efforts to improve market access through networking and marketing platforms.
Despite these measures, the report suggests that without stronger accountability and sustained support, many empowerment projects risk continued failure, undermining efforts to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in the district.
