23 Mar 2017

A consolidated project memorandum for the Southern District under LG 1109 has been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for presentation to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, says district council chairperson, Mr Alec Seametso.

The programme was introduced in 1978 and funded by NORAD, with its primary focus being to improve the socio-economic welfare of both rural and urban populace.

Now the programme, according to Mr Seametso, is reintroduced and will focus on three components namely: small projects, block grant as well as training logistical support.

“Community projects carried out are market stalls, extension of existing community gardens, bakeries, sorghum mills, poultry and brick-laying,” he told a full council meeting.

Prior to submitting the consolidated memorandum, the district council had addressed village committees between January and February to come up with projects they wanted to embark on.

Mr Seametso told the full council that the programme would be implemented in phases starting 2017/18 financial year.

On other issues, Mr Seametso said the district realised a steady increase in the uptake of poverty eradication projects.

He said from December 2016 there had been an increase of projects from 746 to 762, impacting the lives of 833 people.

Meanwhile, the district chairperson warned farmers to be cautious of consequences of flooding, which he said might cause livestock diseases.

“It is a relief to see dams and water holding areas full, but some animal diseases occur in this kind of environment, so it is wise to always be on guard for those,” he warned.

He mentioned pneumonia, diarrhea, anthrax, mastitis as well as pulpy kidney as among ailments that may break out due to flooding.

Mr Seametso called on farmers to always consult with veterinary officials every time they noticed sudden change in their stock which might be a symptom of disease.

Still at the council, former Mabutsane Sub-district council chairperson, Mr Burunyana Rantalajwe was sworn in as a nominated councillor.

He is former Mokhomma/Samane area councillor.

His nomination follows the elevation of former Southern District Council chairperson, Mr Mephato Reatile to the National Assembly last year. ENDS