31 Jul 2016

Hukuntsi Sub-district Council personnel have been applauded for excellence in service delivery and community development.

Speaking during a recent staff meeting in Hukuntsi, permanent  secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Molefi Keaja said it was pleasing to highlight that Hukuntsi Sub-district Council was among the best performing countrywide.

Mr Keaja said both the Sub District Council and civil servants in remote areas deserve to be applauded for the dedication they demonstrated in serving the nation by opting for community servicing in some of the country’s remotest areas over the luxury of urban dwelling.

Many civil servants, he said, shun working in outstations primarily due to lack of access to certain institutions such as banks and English medium schools for their children. He said credit should be given to  those  who have decided to take government services to the public regardless of their localities.

He acknowledged the dedication shown by  staff members in serving the community despite day to day challenges that come with being deployed in outstations and  rural areas.

His ministry, he said, needs devoted and dedicated personnel in its drive to promote social welfare and economic empowerment of all Batswana in order to facilitate development programmes at local level and foster local empowerment.

He further urged civil servants to always show ‘Botho’ when serving customers, adding that his ministry was committed  to being prompt in dealing with customers as well as being compassionate, courteous, selfless and respectful at all times.

Mr Keaja also pleaded with procuring officers to support both macro and micro citizen entrepreneurs by sourcing materials from local producers and suppliers to boost the sustenance of locally owned business entities.  

In response to the permanent secretary’s comments, staff members complained  of shortage of government vehicles in the sub district, saying it cripples service delivery and the implementation of government policies.

One of the employees, Mr Mosupi Phatshwane said the shortage of government vehicles hinders their efforts to deliver services timeless particularly in settlements.  

The situation, he said, was worsened by the vastness and sandy terrain of Kgalagadi.

He also raised concern regarding overstaying and slow progression of officers in remote areas. He pleaded with the permanent secretary to carefully assess the situation as it was a catalyst towards staff demoralisation. ENDS