31 Jul 2018

Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology has informed residents of Ditshegwane in his constituency that their clinic has not been cancelled, but only shelved due to shortage of funds.

Addressing the residents in a kgotla meeting on July 30, Mr Ngaka Ngaka explained that the clinic was initially planned for construction under the Economic Stimulus Programme, but was later moved to NDP 11 due to shortage of funds.

He however, informed them that he was not certain as to when it would be constructed, although they should rest assured that it will one day be.

Mr Ngaka said the clinic was not the only national project shelved as shortage of funds had forced many other projects across the country to be stalled.

“I am well aware of the need for a proper clinic in this village because the current one was constructed way back around 1972 when the village was still small. The population has however, since outgrown it,” he said.

He also indicated that request by residents to at least have the old one refurbished in the meantime would be a waste as the building was also old, adding “the only solution is to have a new clinic.”

He said the other major project that had been shelved in his constituency due to shortage of funds under ESP was the electrification of Sorilatholo village.

On other issues, Mr Ngaka advised residents to develop a spirit of compassion and learn to help fellow needy villagers rather than always expecting government to assist.

He also raised concern that there seemed to be too much preference by the local Village Development Committee to the extent that less deserving people could be recommenced for government assistance before the more deserving ones.

In response, residents pleaded with their MP to ensure that he followed the issue of the clinic so it could be constructed as soon as possible.

For his part, the area councillor, Mr Tshabahule Kgotlhang indicated that shortage of vehicles made it difficult for civil servants to diligently perform their duties and taking services to the people.

He suggested that the old arrangement where the Central Transport Organisation and the Central Transport Unit fixed government fleeet should be reverted to as it was much faster and better than having departments use private garages.

He also advised civil servants to make it a habit to address kgotla meetings as a way of taking services to the people, saying that would prevent many complaints and negative perceptions. ENDS