22 Sep 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on September 21, visited residents of Tshimotharo, Extension 27, White City and New stance in Gaborone.

He interacted with members of these communities to appreciate the challenges they faced and to see how best government could assist them to access assistance programmes. 

Residents expressed gratitude to President Khama for having found time to visit their areas, saying his commitment to ensuring efficient delivery of government programmes and services to Batswana was evident.

President Khama visited among others, a 74-year-old Ms Rene Mokgatla, who said she was attacked by stroke in 2013 and could not walk for some time. However, Ms Mokgatla said she had since recuperated, but was now suffering from hypertension. 

One vendor at Ginger market, Ms Gloria Lefenya said the market was dilapidated and toilets were filthy, but vendors were still required to pay high rentals. Ms Lefenya said they had long complained about it at Gaborone City Council (GCC), but no solution had been provided.

Most residents complained about poor sanitation, time taken by GCC to drain pit latrines, bad roads and lack of proper storm water drainage system, saying during rainy season their homes were inaccessible due to waterlogging within their yards. 

The youth complained mainly about lack of employment and the poor service they received when trying to access the poverty eradication programmes after being assessed.  President Khama assured the residents that he would ensure that those charged with taking programmes to the people delivered on their mandates.

Gaborone city clerk, Mr Mpho Mathe also promised residents that he would follow-up on the issues they raised concerning GCC and give them feed-back on what action had been taken or would be taken to address their concerns.

During his walkabouts, the President donated three blankets to one family of 30 people and football kits to youth football teams. ENDS