20 Jun 2018

North West District Council; a branch of the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) has taken a deliberate move to review their branch plan to ensure that it focused more on stimulating the district’s economy.

This as a result brought about by a one-day conference thatg aimed at highlighting the importance of BALA, its role and that of the branches.

At a conference that attracted members of the association, its executive committee and some stakeholders, the branch chairperson, Mr Mbahahauka Kambimba said as BALA members they have realised the need for a connection between the council and the association’s structures for efficiency purposes.

He said some members did not understand the importance of the association, noting that the conference would afford them the opportunity to appreciate and learn further.

The branch secretary, Ms Mogomotsi Seemule said the branch wanted to strengthen its governance through enhancement of members’ welfare and improvement of livelihood of the local communities.

“The branch is therefore determined to employ influential leadership in order to build resilient communities,” he said.

When sharing the revised branch plan, she said some of the actions that were to be carried included research on the viability of projects, whereby the sub-districts had been directed to research on the progress of livestock given through the Rural Area Development Programme (RADP).

“RADP beneficiaries have long been given livestock, but there has been no follow up. The Department of Social and Community Development (S&CD) has been assigned to facilitate research on cattle distributed to RADP settlements and give feedback to the branch.,” she said

She said the branch also intended to embark on fundraising activities that would serve selected initiatives. The initiatives, she said would have to be creatively crafted to match the uniqueness of the district.

One of the planned fundraising activities is a gala dinner where different gospel artistes will be invited to perform. The event is scheduled for September 22, in Maun.

Ms Seemule called on members to ensure influential leadership in order for the community to give support.

For their part, attendants appreciated the conference, noting that it was a welcome move more so that it was the first of its kind for the branch.

They welcomed the plan and assured the branch committee of their support towards achieving their mandate.

However, some councillors raised a concern about some ministers who failed to honour invitations by the council. They called on BALA president to intervene, noting that the district had pressing issues that needed answers from relevant ministers.

Cllr Samson Mauano cited issues such as severe shortage of water in the Okavango Sub-district and the issue of a land bank, which resulted in many communities trusts collapsing.

He said the district was surrounded by plenty of water and it was disturbing that all water plants were non-functional. He also indicated that it was about time some policies were reviewed as they were a stumbling block for the communities to benefit.

Cllr Lesedi Boy appreciated the branch efforts towards strengthening governance, but decried corruption practices within the council. He said since government took a decision to allow public officers to start businesses, corruption had taken a toll as most of the officers allegedly awarded themselves tenders.

He also complained about some officers whom he said were incompetent.

For his part, BALA president, Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo encouraged leaders to fight corruption at all cost. He concurred that corruption was rampant in councils, adding that tenders were awarded before they were approved.

Regarding policies, he said some officers misinterpreted policies. ENDS