25 Jun 2013

Southern District council chairman, Mr Leach Tlhomelang says the gesture by Debswana Mining Company, through its community social investment programme, to fund six projects totalling P890 000 is a welcome development.

Mr Tlhomelang said during full council meeting on June 24 that the projects include among others; electrification of health posts, classrooms clinic projects in Keng, Sekoma and Morwamosu as well as establishment of small stock in Samane and an orchard project in Morwamosu respectively.

“These projects will go a long way towards improving the social well-being of our communities,” he noted in his appreciation of the noble gesture by the mining giant.

Mr Tlhomelang was happy that the district managed to fast track poverty eradication initiatives during the month of April in Mmakgori where 15 small stock kraals, 10 Tswana chicken shelters and 11 backyard gardens were constructed.

He assured fellow councillors that such initiatives will be rolled out to the rest of the district to further re-inforce efforts to do away poverty within the district.

“Out of the 162 alternative projects implemented during 2011/2012 financial year, only 60 are in operation, 74 are under procurement while 28 are those whose beneficiaries are being trained,” he said.

Me Tlhomelang however noted registration, assessment and funding of alternative packages are still in progress with the exception of kiosks which are no longer part of poverty eradication programme.

He was elated that projects which are in operation are doing relatively well in terms of profit making particularly mini-bakeries which supply Ipelegeng beneficiaries, volunteers and their communities.

Other projects that show records of success are sewing, leatherwork, pottery and hair dressing.

On housing, Mr Tlhomelang informed the house that construction of 18 destitute houses at Mabutsane and Goodhope Sub-Districts have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries in April while six houses for Presidential Housing Appeal in near completion.

He reminded councillors that the implementation of the last batch of 202 Turnkey before Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) takes over is doing well except in Mabutsane Sub District where availability of building material and water pose a challenge.

Pertaining joint orientations by all sub districts and BHC, Mr Tlhomelang relayed the exercise has been completed already and intended beneficiaries have been informed about some requirements needed to qualify for the programme.

He said for instance that under the new dispensation/arrangement, BHC expects beneficiaries to fence plots, construction of storerooms for building materials and supply of water for construction.

“BHC has stated clearly, that they are not going to be using the ordinary builders that councils have been engaging to construct their houses but rather will be inviting only those registered with PPADB,” he said.

The meeting was also appraised on the on-going construction of Mongala Mall in Kanye which is due for completion early 2014.

The completion of the mall Mr Tlhomelang emphasised would help create employment opportunity for many Batswana. ENDS