09 Oct 2019

The chairperson of Ramotswa Village Development Committee (VDC) has showered President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi with praises following infrastructure developments undertaken in the area.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by the President in Ramotswa on October 8, Mr Ophaketse Malale thanked him for the Boatle/Gaborone dual carriageway and Boatle intersection, which he said had eased traffic flow from Ramotswa to the city.

The road was undertaken through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and Mr Malale said through the same programme they had been able to build additional classrooms and staff accommodation for teachers in several schools.

Additional classrooms have enabled primary schools to start reception classes.

The VDC chairperson said with the funds they received from the Constituency Development Fund, they paved internal roads and storm water drainage systems.

Mr Malale also thanked the president for programmes such as Women Economic Development and Young Farmers Fund, which he said had enabled the residents to uplift their lives.

He requested President Masisi to increase Ipelegeng wages and allowances given to VDC members, saying they had a lot of work to do.

Mr Malala further said several roads in the area such as Taung- Gamarete and Mathubakwane -Otse should be improved to ease congestion from the A1 highway.

He complained about the poor status of the border fence between Botswana and South Africa, saying it had now become a hot spot for criminal activities.

Mr Malale called for the construction of a hospital, adding that there was confusion over the ownership of Bamalete Lutheran Hospital.

The hospital has staff under the Ministry of Health and Wellness while others are employed by the Lutheran church.

Responding to the remarks, the Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Alfred Madigele said the Lutheran church built the mission hospital, but in 1995 it entered into an agreement with the government over the joint operation.

He explained that the church recently mentioned that they would like the government to take full ownership.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen said the government took a decision to increase the number of Ipelegeng employees to benefit more people during the drought period.

He further said Ipelegeng allowances would be increased occasionally.

On lack of accommodation for public officers, Mr Van Der Westhuizen said individuals or VDCs could construct houses to accommodate officers on rental basis.

Previously, the government engaged the private sector, but they charged exorbitant prices, he said. ENDS