17 Jan 2016

The government has set aside P100 million for the construction of the Platjan Border Post bridge between Botswana and South Africa.

The Member of Parliament for Bobonong, Mr Shaw Kgathi told residents of Molalatau and Mathathane recently that construction could have long started but was delayed because one contractor challenged the board’s decision that awarded the tender. 

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Molalatau, he said the construction was scheduled to take 18 months and could have been completed if the decision was not challenged.

Mr Kgathi said people in the area were waiting for the bridge because it would ease movement of people and enhance trade in the SPEDU area. 

The MP briefed residents about the social upliftment programme under the Department of Gender Affairs where funding has been extended from one woman beneficiary to above 10 for community projects and cooperatives. He noted that funding has been expanded to include young female graduates.

He said funding an individual goes up to P100 000, group two members are funded up to P200 000. Group three or more members are funded up to P300 000 while community projects and cooperatives with a minimum of 10 members are funded up to P500 000 as well as a special consideration for people living with disability.

One beneficiary, Ms Mabontle Motlhabane of Mabogodinku Bakery in Gobojango advised people to utilise government programmes.

Ms Motlhabane said their business comprises of four women and one male, and has become successful and makes a reasonable turnover.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Letso Malema of Molalatau has commended the government for bringing developments in the area, adding that people should appreciate  them such as the Thune Dam, treatment plant, water pipeline as well as the Platjan Border Post bridge which was on the offing.

Kgosi Malema stated that the village leadership has identified a large area earmarked for irrigation through Nyeletso Lehuma which he said would benefit many people.

He also asked for the upgrading of the clinic to reduce congestion and that an arrangement should be made by the doctor to see patients once a week.

He also stated that they have a challenge at the kgotla as the court clerk was transferred two years back and no replacement made so far hence the backlog of cases at the tribal administration.

Furthermore, he stated that the kgotla did not have a vehicle to run its affairs and called for the intervention of the area MP. Ends