21 Aug 2017

Residents of Kareng have been informed that the drilling and equipping of Xorotsha settlement in the Ngamiland district is expected to start soon.

The Assistant Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe told residents during a kgotla meeting that the geotechnical survey for the said borehole had been completed and currently awaiting drilling.

The drilling and equipping of the borehole is part of the developments undertaken in an effort to fast track the establishment of Xorotsha settlement and relocate its inhabitants.

The project had dragged for long because of lack of water at the area. Other services such as demarcation of plots, construction of kraals, dams and connection of pipe lines are already in place.

Xorotsha settlement was conceived as a Presidential decision to accommodate about 300 people relocating from the nearest ranches surrounding Kareng and Ghanzi so that they access basic services.

However, Mr Kwerepe urged residents to be patient noting that the project was on the right track. He also pleaded with the affected residents to advice on the project where necessary to ensure they were served well.

On other issues, he informed residents that tarring of Kareng road still would not be done due to financial constraints.

He said the government was still experiencing financial challenges.

But Mr Kwerepe who is also the MP for Ngami stated that some projects which the residents requested under constituency funding would be implemented as the funding had been approved.

Residents also learnt that a laboratory unit has been opened at Sehithwa clinic and that they would no longer travel long distances to Maun for medical tests.

For their part, residents appreciated efforts made by the government especially in health services.

They said the laboratory was a development in the right direction as some were challenged to travel to Maun for tests and x-rays while on the other hand there was a delay to get the tests results.

With regard to the road, some residents requested that atleast the road be graveled twice a month.

They complained about some contractors who they said did shoddy job when engaged in road maintenance.

They questioned the material used noting that at time it makes the road worse.

Some residents complained about delays in getting their food ration from the council.

Responding to the comments, Mr Kwerepe admitted that it is true some contractors were failing the government citing one that was engaged to maintain Tsau/Habu road.

The contractor, he said disappeared without finishing the work adding that the relevant authority is still to consider engaging another contractor to complete the work.

He also concurred with residents that some use cheap and low quality material and assured them that efforts would be made to monitor such contractors.

On the issue of delay in food ration, the assistant district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe said the tender has been signed and soon the beneficiaries would get their dues. 

He apologised for the delay and assured beneficiaries that going forward, they would improve and ensure they were serviced well. ENDS