05 Jun 2016

Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) has been described as a success story as all projects implemented by different ministries were progressing well.

Speaking at the launch of ESP projects at Natale and Shashe Mooke on Thursday June 2, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said since its official launch by the

President in February this year at Machaneng, there had been a tremendous progress on projects done.

He noted that the two kgotla offices built at the two villages were part of the projects implemented by his ministry in this financial year.

Mr Tsogwane said projects done through ESP were significant and were being supervised  by the Vice President. He said they were expected to report twice a month on projects progress to the Office of the President and before cabinet.  

He called for close monitoring of the projects and was hopeful that contractors tasked would do world class works which would not have defects which would call for additional time and funds. He explained that the two, type two office packages which include office furniture built to the tune of P4 million were expected to be done within a period of six months.

In addition, Mr Tsogwane stated that this financial year, his ministry would focus on backlog eradication in schools for classrooms, teachers’ quarters, ablution blocks and kgotla offices.

He said by the end of the financial year, in 123 places across the country, a total of 401 classrooms, over 1 000 toilets and 486 teachers’ houses as well as 30 kgotla offices would have been built.

The assistant minister urged companies doing the works to employ the locals in their respective areas to empower them. He also encouraged them to buy local products, such as bricks and cement.

“By purchasing local products you will be injecting revenue into the local businesses thus boosting the village’s economy,” he said.

Furthermore, he implored the companies to pay their employees on time to ensure completion of projects on time.

For his part, MP  for Tonota South, also Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng appreciated the Shashe Mooke project, adding that developments inspired locals to make good use of them.

He noted that since there would be enough office space to accommodate different government departments, there should be collaboration and good working relations.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Batshogile Adam said they were pleased to be the beneficiaries of ESP, noting that developments would give a facelift to their village.  He was optimistic that since their village was 15 km away from the City of Francistown, there would be a spillover of investors to their area.

The kgotla project is expected to create employment for 16 young people in the village.  ENDS