Wakenaam gets 46 sheep

…as part of poverty relief scheme
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday donated 46 sheep valued $1M to Maria Johanna residents to help create jobs.

A Government Information Agency press release said the donation was made to the Wakenaam community under the Replicable Poverty Linkages Programme. During the ceremony Permanent Secretary at the ministry Sewchan said that the primary aim of the programme is to cushion the livelihood of poor people and to boost employment. He said it involved working closely with recipients to replicate more community-based programmes.

Sewchan said he was grateful that the UNDP has continued to grant funds to such initiatives. He urged recipients to care the animals. He said too “Any animal that is reported dead as a result of any negligence, the beneficiary will be held responsible and will be summoned to repay.”

Meanwhile, Project Coordinator at the ministry Deolall Rooplall said he will be working closely with the oversight body that was set up in the community to monitor the project’s progress and to ensure that the animals are being properly cared for so they can be bred throughout the island.