17 Mar 2016

The Southern District Council has rejected the Revenue Support Grant for the 2016/17 financial year allocated to the council by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development following the approval of the 2016/17 budget by Parliament.

Speaking at the district’s special council meeting recently, the council’s finance committee chairperson, Cllr William Masibi cited lack of consultation as one of the reasons that led to the rejection of the support grant.

He said it was imperative to respect the law in all aspects, adding that rules and regulations were flouted when drafting the Revenue Support Grant for the district. Nominated Cllr, Ms Mavis Tshiping and deputy council chairperson, Mr Alec Seametso shared the same sentiments with Cllr Masibi that the grant should be rejected. They resolved to meet the minister to rescue the situation.

They said the budget was not enough to cater for the needs of the people in the district. They added that the ministry could improve the grant to enable the council to undertake development projects to cater for the needs of residents. The Southern District Council has been allocated a grant of over P286 million.

However, the district commissioner, Mr Mmoloki Raletobana warned that if the grant was not approved, it may have serious consequences on the electorates and urged councillors to consider that.

However, councillors resolved to meet the Minister of Local Government and Rural development to rescue the situation. Mr Raletobana also had an opportunity to swear in the new councillor for Sekoma, Mr Keboetseng Lebotso, who was contesting under the Botswana Democratic Party ticket. Cllr Lebotso pledged to be faithful in serving the nation and promised to uphold the constitution of the country. Ends