04 Jun 2018

The long awaited 120-bed Selebi Phikwe government hospital project is expected to commence during the current financial year.

This was stated by Thakadiawa councillor, Ms Evelyn Kgodungwe during a kgotla meeting addressed by Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse at Rueben Mpabanga Primary School in Selebi Phikwe on June 1.

Councillor Kgodungwe said the project was budgeted at P40 million according to the Selebi Phikwe Urban Development Plan.

She said the current hospital was faced with challenges such as shortage of specialists and drugs and it was hoped that through the new facility, such would be addressed.

Regarding BCL Mine closure, Ms Kgodungwe said residents were still in shock and more needed to be done in counselling former mine employees and their families, a suggestion Mr Keorapetse agreed with and pointed out that many were depressed because of lack of income.

He said poverty had taken a toll on the community and many had registered with the Social and Community Development office for social benefits.

Mr Keorapetse called on government to consider paying those who lost their jobs packages equal to retrenchment ones so that they could at least be able to take care of their families and settle their debts.

On other issues, Mr Keorapetse appealed to government to do more research around BCL Mine and determine whether business projects could be setup.

He said there was a lot of potential around BCL Mine in that currently copper and nickel prices around the world had gone up and copper was in demand.

MP Keorapetse also talked about the establishment of Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) campus in Selebi Phikwe that would focus on mining, engineering and other technical disciplines related to mining and would utilise the BCL Mine facilities.

Former mine workers expressed concern over high water bills, saying they did not have money to settle them and requested government to assist where possible.

They called on government to speed up the implementation of the revitalisation strategy of the town and SPEDU region to create employment and urged MP Keorapetse to work hand in hand with President Mokgweetsi Masisi and MP for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, who is also Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration to realise the objective. Ends