22 Jun 2015

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, has cautioned residents of Xhumo against regarding Ipelegeng as a permanent job.

Addressing Xhumo residents, Mr Tsogwane , who is also the Member of Parliament for Boteti West,  encouraged them to utilise other government programmes that could uplift their livelihoods.

He informed the residents that 30 per cent of maintenance jobs of government buildings would be awarded to the youth. Mr Tsogwane also urged the youth to save profits made through their projects to expand their businesses to a larger scale.

The minister was responding to concerns raised by a number of the residents who were at loggerheads with each over Ipelegeng vacancies.

The residents, majority of them former Ipelegeng employees raised complaints that they have been on the waiting list for the second term but had not been absorbed yet.

In addition, the Village Development Committee Chairperson Ms Balatlhegi Botshabelo hailed Ipelegeng programme saying all the projects which were started through the programme were completed.

Ms Botshabelo cited a guard room, construction of a shade for the clinic corridor, bathroom and mobile clinic stop as completed. She added that their proposed projects for 2015/16 financial year have been financed citing classroom, kitchen and bathrooms.

Ms Botshabelo further requested for posting of a resident  medical doctor as well as a clinic with maternity wing. She complained of lack of maintenance of government buildings.
She raised concern on the prolonged process of paying LIMID suppliers as well as delayed private water connections.

In response, Mr Kabo Mafoko an official from the department of Animal Production admitted that payments of LIMID suppliers were delayed since it took time to create first time suppliers on GABS system.

The deputy area manager at the Department of Electrical and Building Services (DEBS) Mr Mweni Muzola said DEBS only undertook major maintenance projects while minor maintenance was conducted by concerned departments.

An official from the Ministry of Health informed the residents that they could not have a doctor based in Xhumo due to lack of accommodation. Ends