28 May 2018

Kedia residents have been implored to safeguard Hima Ranch to boost the economy of their village.

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane made the call recently during a kgotla meeting in the village.

He said the ranch could help create employment for the youth and thus encouraged the residents to take care of the livestock that would be kept there.

He said government plans to revive Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) projects, as part of its intention to put more emphasis on rural development by establishing sustainable strategies that could uplift peoples’ livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the Vice President said tarring of Kedia- Mokobaxane road was not included in the national development plan.

On other issues, Mr Tsogwane informed the residents that they were allowed to renew their identity cards 11 months before expiry, noting that failure to renew identity cards could deny them an opportunity to take part in the 2019 General Elections.

He also stated that a request would be made for Kedia Primary School classrooms to be included in the next financial year.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Obonye Lerako had lamented lack of accommodation for teachers at the local primary school and shortage of classrooms.

Mr Lerako also requested for the tarring of Kedia- Mokobaxane road as well as electrification of the village.

He also complained about lack or poor state of doors at the school’s hostels.

When commenting, one of the residents, Mr Moikopedi Galehunelwe requested for the gravelling of Kedia road, while Mr Goshotang Mathumo proposed that Civil and National Registration officers should work in shifts to enhance service delivery.

Another resident, Mr Bosekilwe Matho complained that Kedia did not have a social welfare office even though it had a large number of needy children.

In response, the senior assistant council secretary, Mr Onthatile Molelu said Kedia hostel was allocated P1 million for maintenance, while the village was allocated one house through the Economic Stimulus Programme.

An official from Botswana Power Corporation said electrification of Kedia would be undertaken this year.

In Xhumo, the VDC chairperson, Mr Osimolotse Lekgoko said they used P555 000 of the constituency fund to develop a horticulture field.

Mr Lekgoko requested for a maternity wing and a doctor at the clinic.

He also requested that a veterinary officer as well as a permanent agricultural demonstrator be deployed at Xhumo. ENDS