15 May 2014

The Local Economic Development (LED) offers local government, private sector, NGOs and local communities an opportunity to work together to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation.


Speaking at the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) conference in Maun, the principal physical planner of Southern District Council (SDC), Mr Vincent Kenosi said LED is a policy approach that places importance on activities in settlements, district and regions.

“The purpose of LED is to build up the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all,” said Mr Kenosi.



He said the participatory approach involves the inclusion of different stakeholders’ views, concerns and issues in the planning process. 



Mr Kenosi cited Mongala mall in Kanye as one of the LED initiative done by the SDC in partnership with a private property developer, Time Projects encouraged the council to broaden income and revenue base.


He said Mongala mall project is nothing but the realisation and implementation of the local economic empowerment concept, through the public private partnership (PPP) approach.



“Mongala mall has not only changed the landscape of Kanye with this aesthetically good looking structure, but brought other benefits to the council,” Mr Kenosi said.

It also created jobs during the construction and after completion, he added.



He however mentioned that there are some challenges they faced such as water shortage, shortage of construction material, dealing with the informal traders, traffic circulation and licensing process.

For his part, the chairperson of Maun Administrative Authority (MAA), Councillor Galaletsang Mhapha applauded the SDC for the good work, noting it showed dedication, hard work, commitment and they should keep it up. ENDS