Maun communities have reportedly called for the increase of Constituency Community Project (CCP) funds from P10 million to P20 million and further called for intensified monitoring in the implementation of the projects.
This was revealed by Principal Community Development Officer I for the Noth West District Council (NWDC), Lesego Sedia during the recent special full council meeting.
Constituency Community Projects Funds were introduced in the 2017/2018 financial year with each constituency being allocated P10 million towards establishing projects aimed at local economic development, employment creation and building capacity among communities. After being re-introduced in NDP11 the P570 million funds were then temporarily halted in 2021 with the money being redirected to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic but has since been re-allocated.
Sedisa highlighted that the community has called for their increase, in the realisation that the economic structure has changed over the years. He said they have therefore indicated that inflation fluctuations should be taken into consideration hence the need to increase the current funding limit.
“The community alluded that funding should also be used to fund the existing government programmes which will reduce unemployment in the country,” he said.
According to him, community leaders have urged the government to recognise these shifts and respond accordingly by enhancing the financial resources available for the CCP.
He also highlighted that Maun community proposed for the appointment of a dedicated project coordinator to oversee the initiative. They said this role would be essential in ensuring accountability and facilitating a smooth flow of projects from conception to completion.
“By having a designated coordinator, the community believes that transparency will be improved, and stakeholders can be held responsible for their contributions,” he said.
Councillors in response to the speech highlighted the need for informal sector to be roped in to finance other development projects for the government to be able to address other community needs thus fostering partnerships that would oversee the growth and sustainability of the country.
Meanwhile, Sedia indicated that the community has unanimously accepted of the name “Constituency Community Project” as appropriate and representative of the initiative’s goals.
