27 Jun 2013

The Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Keletso Rakhudu has expressed worry over constant criticisms on lack of consultation within the public service.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting he addressed in Molepolole on June 24, Mr. Rakhudu bemoaned complaints that were regularly raised by members of the public over poor consultations by public officers. He said he found it disappointing to realise that despite efforts to advise on the importance of consultations, the problem still continued.

 Mr Rakhudu’s concern was in response to complaints raised by some Molepolole hawkers and street vendors whose business operations were interrupted last week by Kweneng District Council’s bye-law unit.

Action to evict street vendors as KDC senior assistant council secretary, Mr Gofaone Mosiakgabo stated, was prompted by communication from Office of the President that directed district councils to act against the untidy vendor structures in their respective areas.

Mr Rakhudu was of the view that, although he was not in dispute with the content of the communication, the problem might have been with its interpretation as some officers often appeared to be harsh in implementation. 

Some of the issues the assistant minister highlighted included the poverty eradication programme, where he advised eligible individuals to seriously take advantage of the programme to uplift their lives.

Mr Rakhudu, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaborone North, advised emerging farmers interested in agricultural business to consider small stock, bee keeping, and vegetable gardens. “Although I am not against rearing of livestock I am of the view that small stock and related agriculture projects were the most viable businesses that can be used to alleviate poverty,” noted Rakhudu.

On other issues, Mr Rakhudu challenged public officers to think critically and come up with strategies that could be used to help recycle water that was evidently acute in most parts of the country.

Molepolole Village Development Committee (VDC) umbrella chairperson, Ms Sentho Kgosimodimo had complained about the alleged closed public toilets at the kgotla due to shortage of water as well as the destroyed kgotla chamber by the recent hail storm.

 Mr Thomas Mhale complained about interpretation of poverty eradication guidelines saying it disadvantaged most eligible individuals. Meanwhile a youth Mr Simon Tlotlang cried foul over the inflated office space prices due to the increasing competition by property owners.  ENDS