23 Aug 2016

The North East District council has been allocated funds amounting to P400 000 for use in the independence celebrations by villages in the area. 

Speaking during the district council  meeting on August 22, council chairperson Flora Mpetsane highlighted that the funds will be disbursed to the villages ranging from P2 000 to P 5000 depending on the population of each area.

Mpetsane explained that the cheques will be ready for collection by the end of August so that communities are able to execute their plans timely towards the jubilee celebrations.

She said the district have conducted seven activities such as 100 days count down in Masunga, Branding launch at Masingwaneng, Literacy week Kalakamati, District Sport Festival-Tshesebe, 50 days count down Sekakangwe and 120 years of anniversary celebration in Siviya as part of BOT5O celebrations.

She however noted that the rest of the activities will be done as per schedule in the weeks to come.

Mpetsane however, encouraged councillors and the community  to continue with the same spirit for other upcoming events.

On other issues, the council chairperson informed councillors that the Food Relief Services Department (FRS) would not be supplying food for primary schools, and as such the supply will now be their sole responsibility by the beginning of 2017/18 financial year.

She said they were  all aware of how erratic food supply has been under FRS, noting that this move is intended to ensure that supply is adequate at all times.

Nevertheless Ms Mpetsane acknowledged the visit by the Presidential Task Force Team for assessing, monitoring and reviewing the implementation of government programmes.

She explained that the team would  help come up with long lasting solutions to the emerging challenges in the successful implementation of the government programmes which were intended at improving the livelihoods of Batswana.

Meanwhile the North East District councillors appreciated the BOT50 budget and advised that the distribution of the funds be done when there is still time to prepare for the celebrations. Ends