Local government ministry bids ministers farewell
09 Oct 2014
The outgoing Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Peter Siele, says he takes pride that he managed to achieve a lot during his three-year stint at the helm of the ministry despite limited resources.
Speaking at a farewell dinner hosted for him and his two assistants; Ms Botlogile Tshireletso and Olebile Gaborone on October 8, Mr Siele said his ministry was one of the ministries that were inundated with many challenges facing the people especially those living in rural communities.
He, however, said through perseverance and team work among various council chief executive officers, political leadership and district commissioners, the district councils did more with less through prudent financial management of the resources at their disposal.
Mr Siele told his colleagues that the ministry in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) had undertaken Organisations and Methods exercise, which amongst others, had to determine the best way to deliver the ministry’s mandate and identify functions that could be hived off. The exercise is at advanced stage after a wide consultation with stakeholders, he added.
The minister said the Local Government Act that commenced in February 2013 was yet another success story, adding that to this end, some councils had modified their Standing Orders in line with the act.
“Similarly the ministry has started developing regulations for Village/ward Development Committees to enhance operations. Peri-urban and rural areas will start to collect property rates on a selective basis, and improve revenue base,” he said.
On the review of Matimela Act, which he strongly believes is a liability to councils because of costs associated with their management as some farmers have totally neglected their livestock; Minister Siele noted consultations on the Bill are on-going.
He regretted that the low fees and prolonged handling period are not generating funds for councils.
On another positive note, Mr Siele said the amended Customary Courts Act commenced on March, 2014 and the intention of the Act is to enhance the delivery of justice at customary courts.
Also under review, he said was the Adoption of Children’s Act of 1952, which has shown that adoption as an option for children in need of alternative living arrangements requires urgent review to accommodate emerging child care issues.
The minister, who will not be contesting this year’s general election after he lost in the party primary elections, said his ministry is committed to improving the livelihoods of Batswana in rural areas.
To this end, he asserted, Rural Development Council has made a decision to promote and support projects under four key areas of Agricultural Development and Food Security; Provision of Basic Services and Infrastructure, Support and Protection and Indigenous Knowledge; and Rural entrepreneurial Development.
Through Ipelegeng programme, he noted that the ministry cushioned and relieved vulnerable Batswana from the effects of unfavourable economic conditions.
Some notable projects recently completed and others currently ongoing included among others, two classroom blocks at Patayamatebele, Gopong two-teacher school, Maubelo kgotla in Tsabong and Raphalane customary court in Jwaneng.
Ongoing projects, he said included Letlhakeng and Bobonong internal roads, Molepolole and Palapye bus ranks, New Xade and Radisele treatment plants and Boteti North cluster village water supply projects.
Furthermore, he said some issues of bogosi, were still pending while many had been closed. He noted that he has successfully addressed kgotla meetings in various villages to resolve the impasse of succession disputes.
Minister Siele however paid tribute to everyone he worked with more especially his secretaries, adding that he will be available for whatever service he may be required to deliver. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Benjamin Shapi
Location : GABORONE
Event : Farewell occasion
Date : 09 Oct 2014
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