21 May 2018

Kgosi Richard Mbanga of Mabele in the Chobe constituency has raised concern about the rate at which residents sell plots.

Speaking in a kgotla meeting addressed by Chobe MP recently, Mr Machana Shamukuni recently, Kgosi Mbanga decried the high rate at which locals sold plots, some to non-residents, lamenting that even some of the newly allocated residential plots were already sold.

He noted that some of the ploughing fields along the river were sold to non-residents who ended up denying locals access to the river.

On other issues, he complained about the destruction of crops by wild animals, and that Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) was delaying the reticulation of water to new plots.

Mabele VDC chairperson, Mr Society Thagame expressed concern about committee members who never attended committee meetings and other activities, adding that the defaulting members were a drawback to the committee as decisions on some issues were not taken.

Mr Thagame also complained about the shortage of paracetamol and food at the local clinic.

A resident, Mr Malepa Nawa complained that water reticulation at the new plots was delaying due to lack of monitoring by WUC, while Ms Ntwala Mabuku complained that students from Mabele failed to enroll with CITF because of lack of accommodation.

She suggested that CITF, just like brigades, should provide accommodation for students.

In response, Mr Shamukuni reiterated the kgosi’s concern about the sale of plots, saying it has negative consequences to the district as Kasane was expanding to neighbouring villages.

He explained that since CITF was not a permanent institution, it would not be possible for it to provide accommodation for students.

Earlier, the MP had informed residents that government was aware of the current flood situation in Parakarungu and Satau, and that it was in the process of coming up with ways of assisting those affected.

He also told residents that the hunting ban was currently under review and that he was hopeful that should it be lifted, it would help address the increase in elephant population.

He said Mabele has been allocated P1.5 million from Constituency Development Fund for a water tank that would assist in the distribution of water in the village. ENDS