07 Jun 2018

 North West District Council (NWDC) and its stakeholders have been urged to make concerted efforts to unlock economic opportunities in the district for the betterment of communities.

Professor Toyin Kolawole from Okavango Research Institute (ORI), made the remarks during the council’s open day.

He told the participants at the event, which was held at Maun bus rank under the theme “Magnifying the scope of excellent customer service”, that Maun’s location as the gateway to and destination for tourism makes it a potential economic hub with great commerce and trade opportunities in the tourism, transport and logistics sectors.

 To this end, Prof. Kolawole said the council and its stakeholders have an obligation to make concerted efforts to unlock the economic opportunities, which come with this advantage. 

In addition, he said it was mandatory for the council to improve the quality of life for all through effective and efficient delivery of basic infrastructure and social services in partnership with stakeholders.

Prof. Kolawole revealed that the event was unique as it was not only showcasing the council’s products and services, but also taking its mandate to the community.

He appreciated the theme, noting that it is a direct reflection on the mandate of the council, which is to provide basic infrastructure, social services and economic development through programmes and projects. 

“This is a huge responsibility, which calls for total stakeholder engagement to place the highest level of commitment and I urge you all to join hands with the council in driving its mandate for greater achievements,” he added.

Prof Kolawole further stated that the platform also gave the public a chance to get all the necessary information concerning the council. 

The theme, he said reinforces the council commitment towards ensuring that people’s needs and aspirations are fully considered in the delivery of public services.

He emphasised that service delivery remained the fundamental aspect of the council, hence the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development’s slogan “Batho Pele”.

He said in that regard, customer service is not just about being courteous to customers, but it is a vital element of business operations that can impact on how an organisation is viewed by the public.

 Prof. Kolawole described the open day as a feedback forum since the council had called all its customers to give an honest assessment of the service it provides to the public. 

The event brought together all council departments, to sell and share their services, products, challenges and also get feedback from customers. ENDS