24 Jan 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has implored the Central District Council (CDC) to facilitate speedy fencing of Malatswai Community Ranch Trust.
Mr Tsogwane said this during his visit to the ranch located at Mogorogorwane cattlepost, about seven kilometres from Serowe/Orapa road.

He noted that there should not be delays in delivering the project, adding that it was now time for residents of Malatswai to benefit from the ranch.

“The community has over the years requested to be allocated the ranch so as to relocate their cattle from the village.

The request was made in a Kgotla meeting addressed by the then Member of Parliament for Serowe West, Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

He stated that the farm was then allocated in 2011, through the assistance of the area Member of Parliament, covering 3 600 hectares and a carrying capacity of 350 cattle.

“This farm has, for a very long time, not benefited the community as the country was also affected by the downfall of the economy, which made it difficult for the farm to be developed,” he said.

He said now government has allocated P1 million for fencing, which was expected to cover the perimeter fencing, excluding paddocking of the farm.

Mr Tsogwane however requested the CDC not to engage contractors as the funds were not sufficient, but rather suggested that casual labourers and Ipelegeng workers to be appointed to carry out the project.

“I am calling out the CDC to take full charge in monitoring this project,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane noted that there were about 18 farms of this nature country-wide, but due to financial challenges, only three had been allocated funds for fencing. They include, Hima Ranch in the Boteti District, Khawa Ranch in the Kgalagadi District and Malatswai Ranch in the Central District, all at the total funds of P3 million.

Giving the background information of the ranch, Serowe Administrative Authority (SAA), senior assistant council secretary Mr Terrence Ntalabgwe said it took a long time for the ranch to be developed as it was difficult to source funds.

He noted that for the current fencing project, they have adopted the direct procurement methods for the supply of fencing materials, adding that the tender was ready for vetting and awaiting adjudication by the committee.

“Eight fencers and 20 casual labourers have been identified at Malatswae, with a total payment of P150 000,” he said.

He further noted that the farm had a total perimeter of 24 kilometres.

In his closing remarks, SAA sub council chairperson, Mr Mpho Kooreme conveyed the council’s commitment in ensuring successful completion of the project.

He noted that he shall be available in monitoring and ensuring that the project was completed on time so that the community could begin to benefit from it.

“This is a great initiative that will benefit our community.

We are privileged to be accorded the brief about this project.

As such we will ensure timely consultation on it so that all go according to plan,” he said. Ends