15 Jan 2019

Kweneng district councilors have threatened to snub consultation processes on the District Development Plan Eight midterm review in protest of  lack of consultation about the entire process

Commenting on the midterm review consultation paper  during the  Kweneng District special full council meeting, the councillors among them Mr Duncan Ramasiagopana, distanced themselves from proposals made, saying they were not consulted.

Mr Ramasiagopana indicated that it would be difficult for them to support proposals presented by the district’s principal economic planner Mr Letswalo Moesi, arguing that they were not involved in the process of identifying projects.

Mr Ramasiagopana said efforts could have long been made to take councillors on board.
“It will be difficult to expect councilors to support you in this endeavor when you did not make us part of processes before consultations could commence,” said Letlhakeng sub council chairperson Mr Tlotlo Bathophi.

Mmankgodi North councillor Dukes Mafhoko said it would be unfair to support something they did not understand.

Another councillor, Mr Ofentse Mareme for Gabane North East held a different view stating that the councillors’ reaction showed their ignorance about what was going on in their respective areas regarding project implementation.

“It is clear that you do not monitor development projects going on in your areas, otherwise you would be better placed to understand the kind of implemented projects in your areas and those that were shelved,” quipped Mr Mareme.

Thamaga North Councillor Palelo Motaosane said drawing up shopping and inventory lists could help direct the process.

Nominated Councillor Motlhophi Leo shared Mr Motaosane’s sentiments saying the district had a number of critical projects that were  previously shelved due to lack of funding such as Molepolole Police Station,

Thamaga Vocational Training Centre, Mogoditshane Magistrate Court, Molepolole/Lentsweletau and Lentsweletau/Mahetlwe/Hatsalatladi roads.

Most of the councillors were however of the view that the issue needed to be revisited in order for them to be involved for proper understanding and ownership of the entire process.

Meanwhile Kweneng District Council secretary Mr Goleba Kgari explained that they were compelled by circumstances to ensure that things were done as quickly as possible.

“Despite limited time being ahead of us, we are going to ensure that all processes were followed as well as consultations with all district structures are taken on board before tabling draft plan to the district’s full council for endorsement of the final document,” the council secretary said.

He stressed the need to enable completion of the process despite existing challenges.

The council secretary further explained that it was not the responsibility of planners to decide on projects earmarked for specific areas.  The district plan, according to Mr Moesi, provides guidance during mid-term review of the DDP eight adding that standardization should prevail during the exercise.

Mr Moesi indicated that the paper was a blueprint of the district entailing aspirations of communities as a six year plan operating through bottom up planning approach long since adopted by government.

He informed the meeting that the plan period would focus on identifying key issues that were likely to change the set district priorities.

The district, he said, had adopted a regional integration planning approach that outlined the district priorities.

“Through this approach, the district had been able to priorities key projects that it needs to implement in the entire district without being confined to specific areas,” he said.

Mr Moesi further said consultation processes would eventually endorse the district priorities. Ends