21 Apr 2014

Bobirwa MP, Mr Shaw Kgathi has described as false, allegations that Zone 7 would be demarcated to address the issue of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Mr Kgathi was responding to concerns raised by Zone 7 Farmers’ Association chairman, Mr Keitseng Morake that efforts to divide the zone were said to be at an advanced stage and the report was said to have been handed to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama for approval.

Mr Morake made the allegation during a kgotla meeting addressed by Mr Kgathi, saying they believed that the proposed division would disadvantage the majority of the people of Zone 7.

According to the proposal, said Mr Morake, the Bobirwa area would remain a red zone and would not be allowed to sell cattle. Mr Kgathi, also acting Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, refuted the claims, adding that such a drastic move could not be taken without the input and consultation of the people and farmers in the area.

He said the country subscribed to the principle of democracy where consultation was key. The MP further warned residents of malicious propaganda that could be spread by some politicians seeking the residents’ vote.

He said this year, as the year of national elections, residents must be careful not to be deceived by some politicians. Meantime, the MP also informed residents that President Khama had transferred him from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to act as Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration and thanked his constituents for their support during his ministerial duties.

Mr Kgathi said he would continue to work tirelessly for the constituency although his new ministerial work was more challenging. He informed residents that passport application fees had been reduced from P260 to P100 for children under the age of 16.

He said 19 725 hectares had been ploughed by 8 048 farmers and 5 553 of them were women while 2 495 were men who used tractors and draught power and pleaded with farmers to prepare for the next ploughing season.  

Residents told their MP that they were concerned by overcrowding at the Bobonong Primary Hospital and called for its expansion. A resident, Mr Monamati Marope said people were reluctant to visit the hospital because overcrowding and long queues discouraged patients.

Mr Kgathi also addressed a kgotla meeting in Lepokole village where he explained to residents that with effect from April, government had taken a decision to increase allowances for Ipelegeng workers, Old Age pensioners, VDC’S, World War II veterans, Home Based Care, Sustenance and Destitute allowance.

He also appealed to parents to be involved in the education of their children and argued that poor performances at school were due to negligence on the part of the parents.

He said parents should work with teachers to provide the best support for the children. But Lepokole residents were concerned by elephants that continue to destroy their crops, but were pleased with measures aimed at dealing with marauding elephants by government. Ends