13 Jun 2019

 The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has raised concern about  Constituency Community Projects (CCP) that have stalled due to unexplained circumstances.

When bidding farewell to Mahalapye sub-district councillors on June 12, Ms Tshireletso observed that even though fully funded through constituency funding, some projects were yet to take off while others were taking long to complete.

Ms Tshireletso who will  not be contesting the coming general elections after a career in politics spanning more than 40 years, said some projects started three years ago and were moving at a snail pace despite funds availability.

 “I will retire with a somber mood as a result of the situation. I do not want my constituents to shun me while in retirement as a result of failing to deliver projects on time,” she said. 

Ms Tshireletso said delay in completion of infrastructure projects like destitute houses was a serious concern as they were meant to assist people in dire need of basic shelter.

Further, Ms Tshireletso said councillors were at the helm of the development agenda at local level and therefore it would be unfortunate for them to complete their term leaving incomplete projects behind. 

"I appeal to all of you, honorable councillors to establish a cordial working relationship with council employees and serve the people as mandated," she said.

She also noted that some projects were failing to be implemented as a result of objections by some of the bidders, indicating that there were unscrupulous dealings in awarding of tenders. 

Despite tenders going through the adjudication committee, Ms Tshireletso said there were objections, with bidders accusing the council authorities of favouritism and other maladministration issues. 

Assistant Minister Tshireletso has further stressed that councillors as political representatives of respective communities should serve without favouritism. 

"Some of you are reported to be biased in serving the people,” she said, adding that there were cases where councillors would not attend to issues from people who were not affiliated to their political parties.

 “I call for exemplary leadership. All eyes are on you. As a leader desist from negative behaviour like engaging in criminal acts, alcohol abuse and being biased in serving the people,” she advised.

Therefore, Ms Tshireletso encouraged those ending their term as councillors to continue upholding the qualities of exemplary leadership and responsible behaviour. 

To those coming back,she said ’continue to engage the community through consultations as it is critical to the development agenda, harmonise your working relationship with public officers and create a conducive working environment’.

She added that involving the community in decision making process was a critical component of democracy and governance as it ensured that most of the community members, participated and benefited from government programmes.

Ms Tshireletso also noted that the success of community development endeavours depended largely on unity in local authorities, saying it would help create inclusiveness and strengthen local and central government relations, she said.

She also noted that in politics, a person cannot work in solitary. 

Ms Tshireletso also applauded the media for giving her the urge to go an extra mile in her political career. 

However, Ms Tshireletso noted that they were skeptics doubting her potential as a woman in politics, more so that some undermined her level of education.  

“I was never deterred by media reports in proving what I was capable of doing. Instead of giving up, I proved my worth and ultimately started receiving accolades,” she said.

In his farewell message, Councillor Outule Segolame of Bonwapitse/Mmutlane ward applauded Ms Tshireletso for her devotion to local politics. 

Cllr Segolame of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) said despite their political differences, Ms Tshireletso  always proved to be a true leader, serving all without being biased. “You are a true patriot of democracy," he said.   

Specially elected Councillor, Bathonyana Bakwena encouraged, Ms Tshireletso to continue working to develop the political landscape of the country. 

“One of your future projects must focus on empowering women in politics,” said Cllr Bakwena.

Councillor Joseph Tjienda of Mahalapye Central ward applauded her for single-handedly grooming and guiding young politicians. 

He said Ms Tshireletso was his political mentor and had taught him that one could be successful through hardwork.

Nominated Cllr Lenkokame Sesoa said the history of Botswana politics would not be complete without mention of Ms Tshireletso. ENDS