13 Oct 2016

Mayor of Lobatse, Ms Malebogo Kruger, has lauded Lobatse Town Council (LTC) for its performance in implementation of policies and programmes meant to transform the socio-economic development of the community.

Speaking during opening of a full council session on Monday (October 10), she applauded the council for impounding matimela roaming the streets.

She said in the last quarter, 271 animals were impounded out of which 263 were reclaimed by owners, while 28 were still in the council kraal.

Ms Kruger said the exercise has so far generated an income of P 67 825.65, adding that they have also auctioned two beasts which were not claimed within the stipulated time.

Despite their efforts to make the town animal free, she said there is still evidence of roaming cattle around the town.

She said this is caused by illegal kraals around the town from which farmers release their cattle in the town deliberately.

She said the council will not fold its arms and watch, but will devise other stern measures to address the problem of roaming cattle in the town.

On other issues, she lauded Transport department in improving issuance of public transport permits.

She said in the past for a customer to substitute a vehicle from the annual permit would undergo a long process of gazzetting and in addition, the operator would be given three months temporary permit, which required to be renewed time and again until the whole process has been completed.

She said now the substitution is done over the counter and temporary permits have been removed saving the operators money for frequent renewals.

Furthermore, she said the council has installed a Point of Sale (swiping machine) at the main revenue office that she alluded will improve service delivery to customers as well as improve revenue collection.

Moreover, she lauded various steering committee members for their determination and persistence towards the success of District activities such as International Day, BOT50 celebrations, Fitness Day and cleanup world campaign.

Despite the achievements, she informed the house that, there are some projects that are still lagging behind due to financial constraints.

She said projects like maintenance and repair of toilet blocks at Lobatse senior secondary school which she said is behind schedule as the project is still at tendering stage and schedule of works will start as soon as approval is received from District Adjudication Tender Committee.

The other project that she said is behind schedule include that of di-slugging of sewage ponds and three pump stations, construction of drying beds and refurbishment of effluent recycling pump station which she said was at a tendering stage, but has been suspended due to lack of funds. ENDS