24 Oct 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says he is concerned over the delay in fencing and provision of water at Malatswai livestock ranch.

President Khama assured residents of Malatswai during his visit to the village on October 21 that the matter would be investigated further with the relevant ministry.

Responding to concerns raised by the Village Development Committee, President Khama said ‘shortage of staff housing is a country wide challenge’ that would be addressed through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

Malatswai Primary School traditional dance group also handed over a letter of request to President Khama asking for help in acquiring attire for tsutsube dance, a request the President said he would do his best to assist them.

President Khama promised residents that all their issues would be forwarded to the relevant departments and ministries for feedback purposes.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Ketsieditswe Bosigo of Malatswai appealed to President Khama for help regarding their incomplete community livestock ranch.

Kgosi Bosigo said at present the Central District Council has no borehole to assist water livestock for the residents and instead it spends a lot of money in paying for the use of water at rented boreholes.

The Malatswai cattle ranch issue had been pending for long as it was also raised four years ago during a kgotla meeting addressed by President Khama at the village.

It was on June 19, 2013, when Kgosi Bosigo informed President Khama that some residents were losing their livestock through road accidents as they wonder into the road searching for better pastures.

The community was therefore allocated a ranch to address challenges faced by livestock farmers; unfortunately, the ranch has not yet been developed.

Kgosi Bosigo has also applauded President Khama for his contribution towards the development of the country.

He said the President is at the forefront of poverty eradication.

He however, appealed to residents to fully utilise government programmes and initiatives put in place to improve their lives.

Kgosi Bosigo cautioned residents to bear in mind that poverty would never be eliminated without their full involvement.

He said the President must also be commended for his quest in housing the needy.

The VDC chairperson, Mr Tumelo Mpateng said Malatswai Primary School has shortage of teachers’ houses.

Mr Mpateng said the school has 22 teachers but there are only nine houses.

Mr Mpateng also supported Kgosi Bosigo regarding the need for Tribal Administration office to be allocated a vehicle.

He also requested for a female police officer, a vehicle for the department of Veterinary Services and refurbishment of school hostel.

He also said the police holding cell also require major maintenance.

Meanwhile the village Councillor, Ms Baitshepi Mosimanegape has stated that affirmative action has benefited the unemployed youth of Malatswai.

Cllr Mosimanegape said disciplined cadres such as Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police and Prisons Department are at the forefront in offering the youth of Malatswai employment opportunities through affirmative action. ENDS