By Obakeng Maje

Hartswater-The Department of Enviromental Affairs and Nature Conservation is planning to revive the Olive Tree project that was left crude in Hartswater.

A 120 Hector Olive Tree Project was one of 22 projects launched by the department back in 2007.

The Agricultural department spokesperson Norman Shushu said the aim of the project was to alliviate poverty and reduce unemployment in the area.

“The aim of the project was to help youth in the area to eradicate poverty and let them plant Olive Trees that in turn would’ve been sold overseas” Shushu told SABC Radio.

He said after the project dessicated, they are now trying to revive it and hand it over to another youth group.

“After we gingerly thought of this project, we agreed to revive it and hand it over to another group of youth because those who were in the project did not work hard to make it survive despite the support they received from the department” he said.

The farm turned into a white elephant. Shrubs and long grass made use of the opportunity.

However those who were involved in the project refutes Shushu’s claims.

They said the department never showed enough support on the project and never bother to help them with challenges they encountered.

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