17 Apr 2017

The Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South, Mr Frans Van Der Westehuizen has commended the Vaalhoek Village Development Committee for making strides in developing their community.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting in Vaalhoek recently, he said the Vaalhoek VDC projects achievements were impressive, saying it was proved by the growth of projects such as the guest house.

He said this showed commitment and good management of funds, urging them to continue with the spirit as it would help the government in developing the country.

Furthermore, Mr Van Der Westhuizen said if the Vaalhoek VDC could continue growing their projects, it would also help them to properly use their share in the P10 million that has been given to constituencies.

He said their proposed project of upgrading their guesthouse and starting a poultry project showed that they have a good business acumen.

However, he advised them to invest more in running the projects.

Regarding the P10 million allocation, the MP explained to residents that it was essential for them to choose projects that would develop their village.

He added that it does not necessarily mean that they should start new projects, and that they could use the funds to upgrade the already operating projects.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen also informed residents about the construction of a 70 bed hospital in Tsabong in the National Development Plan 11, explaining that it would be a great help in the current congestion at the Tsabong Primary Hospital.

He added that it would improve service standards.

He also informed farmers about the intention of government to purchase small stock for beneficiaries in various empowerment schemes at the same price, noting that the difference in pricing has caused difficulties thus resulting in backlog.

Responding to the MP’s brief, one of the residents, who is also a beneficiary of the government empowerment scheme, Mr Jan Megano commended the efforts of government in improving the living standards of Batswana through various empowerment schemes.

However, he decried the lack of monitoring the empowerment schemes, more especially LIMID, saying it makes it difficult for the government to measure the effectiveness of the schemes  and how they could be improved.

Another resident, Mr Lucas Mackenzie lamented the delay of payments to food ration suppliers by the Tsabong sub-District Council, saying it affects both suppliers and beneficiaries as it becomes difficult for suppliers to purchase goods to supply beneficiaries.

Responding to the lack of project monitoring, the head of the Department of Veterinary Services, Mr Piet Bimbo confirmed it to be true, explaining that his department was challenged by the lack of transport and limited resources.

Mr Bimbo also assured LIMID beneficiaries that they would recieve their livestock in the first quarter of this financial year.BOPA