14 May 2019

A total of 4.3 tonnes of expired food commodities were confiscated and disposed by the Molepolole Administrative Authorities (MAA).

Delivering the chairman’s opening speech for Molepolole/Lentsweletau sub-council meeting on May 13, Mr Botokanyana Motoroko, said the confiscation followed a three-week operation by law enforcement officers.

He said expired food commodities with an estimated cost of over P26 000 were seized from 14 business outlets in Lentsweletau/Molepolole and Kopong. He observed the situation where expired food stuffs were being kept on shelves for human consumption continues despites efforts to curb it. About 14 businesses, he said were affected while 28 non-food establishments were made to account for improper storage of waste among others, with fines ranging from P1000 to P8000.

The problem, Mr Motoroko said, had been condemned over time, but persists.

“I am disappointed by business operators that continue to put food not fit for human consumption on sale,” indicated the sub-council chairperson.

On other issues, he reported that sanitation in the local primary schools was very poor due to acute water shortage, resulting in the use of pit latrines.

He said the problem led to regular emptying of pit latrines, which is an expensive exercise, The issue ,he said called for urgent action to outsource services, adding that  tendering processes already started.

“We will therefore be compelled to ensure regular monitoring of the situation from the 284 schools in the sub-district as this had been declared a priority,” said Mr Motoroko

The council chairman further briefed the councillors about the increasing concern over livestock roaming the villages due to lack of care by some farmers.

He said they have been able to collect 602 stray livestock, with P118 200 collected from individual farmers as fines by the Bye-Law Enforcement office.

The exercise he said was challenged by shortage of kraals to keep the impounded livestock.

 “In the interim, we have since identified one more kraal to augment the existing ones, while plans to construct our own was underway as a long term solution,” he said.

Another issue of great concern was approximately 400 kilometres of poor roads, which lead to congestion. He said ,around P1 million was spent towards maintenance of the affected areas. Mr Motoroko reiterated his concern over non-compliance by day care centres in the sub-district, with 14 unlicensed establishments reportedly operating.

It was further stated that, despite the prolonged dry spell due to low rainfall, two emerging farmers of Kotolaname and Medie farming areas were able to plough 44.9 and 29.46, a significant amount of hectarage with the hope to bring better yield. The chairman implored Batswana to be proactive on matters that directly concern them, adding that communities should be fully involved and contribute on the formulation and implementation of policies to better their lives. ENDS