11 Jun 2015

Residents of Lepokole in the Bobirwa sub District have acknowledged developments that have taken place at their village since the place was declared a recognised settlement.

They said this during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Minister of Defence Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi at the village on Monday June 8.

The village kgosi, Mr Mooketsi Diphuphu said Lepokole which used to be a cattle post now has facilities such as a customary court, a primary school and a clinic.

He also noted that the village has been connected to the electricity grid. The challenge that the village experiences, he said, is shortage of water when the borehole supplying the village with water experiences mechanical problems. 

Kgosi Diphuphu also commended the government for setting up the Lepokole Nature Reserve with ancient rock paintings and wild animals which is a tourism initiative. He said the reserve is aimed at luring tourists to the area and making it economically viable. 

The nature reserve was set up in collaboration with Botswana Tourism Organisation and Mapanda Conservation Trust owned by the community and so far about eight youths from the village have been employed.

He also commended government for gravelling the road that leads to the village, however, he requested that the road be upgraded so that more public transport could reach the village.

He stated that he was optimistic that Lepokole would have changed in five years to come looking at the fact that more people are starting to settle in the village. He, however raised a concern that elephants destroyed peoples’ crops and this year they will not reap anything. 

He also thanked government for introducing the Ipelegeng programme noting that through the initiative villagers earn income which helps them to take care of their family basic needs such as food and clothing. 

He also said through this programme infrastructural development takes place in the village.

For his part, minister Kgathi who is also Member of Parliament for Bobonong acknowledged that Lepokole has developed and grown over the years. 

He stressed that since he became MP for the area in 2004, he has been working hand in hand with Kgosi Diphuphu to see the village grow to the status where it is today. 

He commended the headman for the work that he has done over the years and also expressed happiness that two headmen in the area have been elevated and are under the government payroll. 

He encouraged the VDC to give guidance and play a leading role in village development. ENDS