03 Mar 2017

 

Kweneng District councillors have voiced their concerns against the proposed District Development Plan 8 saying it contrasts with submissions made during the consultative process.

Making their input following presentation by principal district officer; development Mr Kabelo Ntopo on February 28, councillors also resolved that the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane be invited to address them on the status of the Kweneng District Development Plan 8 (DDP 8).

Councillors felt the proposed DDP did not cater for most infrastructural developments in the district considering that Kweneng had a  population of 304 549 as per 2011 population and housing census.

They said since the proposed plan was expected to run until 2023, it will disadvantage the district development wise.

Cllrs also complained of failure to prioritise projects by officers tasked with preparing the plan.

Council chairperson, Mr Jeffrey Sibisibi expressed disappointment saying they were expecting a lot from the proposed plan.

He said even if they were to send a delegation to the minister as suggested by some councillors it would not help address their concerns.

One of the councillors, Mr Ofentse Mareme of Gabane North East said while Mmopane was growing given the population of its inhabitants, it was disappointing that the village had not been catered for in terms of infrastructural developments.

Gaphatshwa councillor, Moemedi Mokgachane shared same sentiments adding that Mogoditshane and Mmopane were experiencing growth because of close proximity to the city.

He said the current number of schools does not accommodate pupils in Mmopane and Mogoditshane such that about 15 classes were taught outside in each of the schools.

He said land servicing that was planned for under DDP6 was not done. 

“The plan is done by public officers. It has left us out we the law makers and I do not agree to it,” he said.

Also making an input, cllr Paul Magwaza of Mogoditshane Central challenged his colleagues to use the plan as a way of tracking what has been achieved for the district in terms of developments.

He implored them to reflect on the past DDPs and take stock of those projects that were done as per the plan.

He said planners were imposing the plan on them as it appeared they did not give themselves time to prioritise projects submitted.

For his part, cllr Mafoko said it was time cllrs were united with one voice if they were to drive the district forward.

“Issues in Kweneng are taken lightly and this will not move the district forward,” said Mmopane councillor Mr James Lekgetho when commenting on the presentation.

He questioned the importance of consultations saying why they were done if the plan was in contrast to the submissions made that were agreed with ward members.

Cllr Selala Molatedi of  Thamaga West said the plan had noting promising and it spelt a gloom future for the Kweneng District.

He also called for upgrading of service centres in the district for service delivery. “We had discussed what we wanted in the plan but the proposed one spells out something different,” he said.

Earlier on giving councillors feedback on the proposed Kweneng District Development Plan 8, Mr Ntopo explained that the Kweneng District Plan should come up with strategies to reduce poverty at all social levels.

“All the ministries through their different policies and programmes will ensure that the end result of their sector plans impact in the livelihoods of the communities within the district as the expectation is to live sustainable lives,” he said.

He said the proposed plan will speed up the Local Economic Development implementation process with focus on increasing investment in the district, improving skills and capacity building, broadening participation in the economy as well as increasing competitiveness.

On issues of employment and economy, Mr Ntopo said it was important to explore the extent to which national priorities of infrastructure, ICT, doing business and global competitiveness were integrated in the DDP.

He also emphasized the importance of a sustainable environment that could meet the demands of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“Of importance is to facilitate protection and conservation of the environment in order to promote sustainable development and utilization of natural resources,” he said.

He also noted that the plan should be able to assist the district explore issues of governance, safety and security, all in an effort to control and reduce levels of crime and foster protection of human rights and freedoms.

Proposed projects for Kweneng  include primary schools infrastructure backlog eradication, rural village electrification and network expansion, construction and upgrading of health posts, construction of police station and 150 housing units. ENDS