23 Feb 2015

Residents of Maruapula Ward in Gaborone Central have complained of unavailability of basic amenities since the establishment of their ward years ago.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting addressed by Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Phillip Makgalemele in Gaborone recently, they said they have long been neglected and that he was the first Cabinet Minister to visit their ward. 

They said their ward was one of the least developed in town with no clinic, streetlights and recreational facilities that are visible in other wards in Gaborone.

Residents pleaded with the Assistant Minister that they were in a dire need for a health facility and appealed to him to convince government to provide porta-camps where they can be consulted in the time being whilst still sourcing funds for a permanent structure.

“We have to travel long distances to Extension two or Tshimotharo clinics to access medical facilities,” they said. They noted that they have a couple of playing grounds where the porta camps may be built.

On other issues, they complained that they have not benefitted from poverty eradication nets, citing that many people have been assessed but never received their packages. They also complained that for those that were operating businesses under the programme, government was not supportive enough, especially with regards to taking them through, one step at a time, until they were capable enough.

Residents also informed the Minister that the Ipelegeng programme in their ward was marred with problems ranging from lack of equipment and protective clothing, poorly prepared food rations and mismanagement of the clocking system for employees, which affect their dues.

Chairperson of VDC umbrella committee, Ms Naledi Akambakamba called for increase of VDC allowance and a provision of a place where meetings can be convened. Minister Makgalemele promised residents to channel their complaints to relevant ministries.

He also informed them of the intention to improve the programme by close monitoring and to speed up the assessment process. Mr Makgalemele told residents of government’s intention to meet the set target of eliminating abject poverty by the year 2017.

He also promised residents that there were plans to distribute to the wards, equipment that was bought for backyard gardening to be used as Ipelegeng implements. Gaborone Central, also area MP, Dr Phenyo Butale said the meeting was important for the Minister to get first-hand information and appreciate problems faced by residents.  

Assistant Coordinator for Poverty Eradication Programme, Mr Sumbe Ongadile said they intend to improve the assessment process by using taxis and cabs through the districts councils to minimise delays and transport complaints. ENDS