12 Apr 2016

MP for Tonota, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, says he has raised a concern with the Minister of Transport and Communications about lack of stop-over for BR Express in the constituency.

Responding to concerns raised by Kgosi Julius Mannathoko on Monday, MP Olopeng said he appealed to the minister to consider the Shashe station because there was history attached to it.

He explained that apart from the history that resulted in the formation of the Zezuru ward in Maseka, the station could cater for the population of Tonota.

On other issues, Mr Olopeng who addressed kgotla meetings in Mhakamme and Manyanda wards said he was concerned that some government institutions still failed to support local businesses.

He informed the residents that  government had taken a position to its institutions to support local suppliers and those who failed to implement such directive would be dealt with accordingly.

Mr Olopeng, also sport, youth and culture minister, said although  government encouraged people to produce goods, some government officials still preferred to procure from bigger villages and towns leaving the locally produced products.

He, however, appealed to producers to make sure their products were of good quality, adding that in some instances some produced substandard goods for government.

The MP also informed  residents that the Tonota College of Education will be renovated and maintained through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

Kgosi Mannathoko had decried that the newly introduced BR Express and the goods train did not stop at Shashe station and the Tonota halt and as result it became expensive and inconveniencing for the residents to use such transportation.

In Mhakamme ward, the Village Development Committee chairperson, Ms Monica Kgosietsile complained of shortage of classrooms at Sekoko Primary School, a factor that she said hindered the introduction of reception classes at the school.

She complained that despite the low VDC allowances, members were restricted from participating in the feeding of Ipelegeng workers.

Ms Kgosietsile also complained of shortage of equipment and tools used by Ipelegeng workers.

The same sentiments of low allowances were raised by Mr Oeme Tangane, umbrella VDC chairperson, in Manyanda Ward who suggested that VDC allowances should be increased from P220 to P1500.

Mr Tangane further said that old age pensioners’ allowances should be increased from P330 to P660.

Mr Tlhabologo Mmolawa applauded the MP that despite his busy schedule, he was already fulfilling what he promised the constituents such as the construction of the kgotla shelter and others. ENDS