06 Jun 2018

Makaleng Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Anthony Butale says the lack of transport is hindering the start of a  community brick moulding project.

In an interview, Mr Butale said the project, which was funded by the Ministry of Local Government in 2017 to the tune of P100 000 had not yet started production because of shortage of transport. He noted that it was to be provided by the North East District Council (NEDC).

He said although they believed that the project would be booming, they were way behind schedule, adding that it was also a disadvantage to their village in terms of developments.

He said the brick moulding project, which they first started with VDC funds in 2006, was supposed to assist in bringing more developments to their village and curb the high unemployment rate among the youth. The project is situated along the Makaleng/Sebina road.

Mr Butale also said engaging private transport operators would be costly, and that they could not afford as the project should benefit the community more.

The NEDC principal community development officer, Ms Naomi Bitsang said her department has been working with the Roads Department to assist with heavy machinery.

She said the heavy machinery expected from the department was up for service, adding that since they did not have enough funds to pay for the services last year, they had to wait for this financial year.

Ms Bitsang confirmed that since the machines were now available, they were ready to help Makaleng VDC to start the project. ENDS