12 Jun 2019

South East District Council has proved to be prudent in financial management.

The observation was made by council chairperson Mr Phenyo Segokgo, who said his council did not have a history of failing to utilise the money allocated to it.

Addressing the council session in Ramotswa on Monday, Mr Segokgo dismissed allegations that the council had failed to use the allocated funds in the last financial year.

Mr Segokgo said although he had cautioned his staff against failing to use funds on time, the statement was meant to motivate them to expedite internal processes and award tenders before the end of the financial year.

 He stated that the council had won accolades for good service provision and funds utilisation.

Further, he said that out of all the budget that was allocated to the council, 93 per cent of the funds had been disbursed while only seven per cent had not been paid, as the council was awaiting invoices from suppliers as goods and services had been procured.

He further stated that even if the council did not implement projects on time, the money would be channeled to the general fund, where it could still be accessed.

Therefore, he said it was not possible under the current arrangement for the council to return funds to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

On other issues, he said the Gaborone-Boatle dual carriage way was almost complete and the road had been partially opened for traffic.

He said the road condition would lure more people to use Ramotswa border gate, hence the council had already made proposals for the Ramotswa-Boatle road to be expanded.

He said the local district authorities suggested that the border gate should start operating from 6am until midnight.
Regarding the Independent Electoral Commission voter registration, Mr Segokgo regretted that the numbers registered were quite low.

He encouraged councillors and other civil leaders to advocate for community participation by registering to vote in the future.

During the comments, Councillor Justice Sera pleaded with the council to cushion the primary schools against shortage of transport.

He said they would designate at least two vehicles to serve primary schools, regretting  that school authorities use their personal transportation while on duties.

He also complained about the border gate, saying it was dilapidated even though the council had ling promised to renovate the premises. ENDS