27 Jul 2014

President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama says public servants working at Etsha 13 in the Okavango Sub-district are given priority in allocation of accommodation.

President Khama said as for the special constables, it was understandable as most of those hired were locals, therefore already had accommodation and would be transferred.

The President was responding to Kgosi James Divako of Etsha 13 who had decried shortage of accommodation for civil servants during a kgotla meeting that President khama addressed on July 25.

Kgosi Divako also complained of shortage of classrooms that resulted in pupils being taught in open spaces. However, Kgosi Divako praised President Khama for responding to the needs of Etsha 13 residents.

He said they were pleased by frequent visits by the President to his village, adding that this showed that he had the citizens’ needs at heart.

He gave an example of the introduction of Rural Area Service Allowance (RASA) for public servants in the village, after they had raised concern with the President when he visited the village in 2012.

Kgosi Divako also said about nine families had been assisted with houses and he also praised President Khama for taking care of those  who were moved due to floods.

He said the President was making sure that people in need were assisted through poverty eradication schemes and this was being seen by everyone as it was done in the open.

Furthermore, Kgosi Divako stated that Botswana was known globally because of President Khama’s good governance and putting people’s needs first.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Goitseone Ndozi said they were also facing challenges such as not having a maternity ward at their clinic, transport and bad roads.

He requested an additional standpipe to the one they already had at the area where people were relocated to during the floods, fencing the graveyards and provision of electricity.

Giving a vote of thanks, Etsha 13 councillor, Mr Dikoro Ngunga thanked President Khama for the third visit in the village.  He said it showed the spirit of love from the President and also appreciated the fact that now patients get Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs in the village.

Cllr Ngunga also complained about late payment of allowances for Botswana National Service Programme (BNSP) or Tirelo Setshaba participants. ENDS