15 Oct 2019

Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) president, Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo, has commended Kweneng District Council (KDC) for pursuing modernised local governance.

Rev. Moruakgomo  was giving a keynote address during a recent farewell session for KDC councillors following completion of their five-year term.

He said the introduction of initiatives geared towards improving service delivery made KDC a council of choice.

He said as an organisation established to promote and strengthen local governance and protect the interests of local authorities in Botswana, BALA facilitated KDC’s twinning with Lira and Kabarole districts in Uganda.     

Meanwhile, the KDC chairperson, Mr Jeffery Sibisibi, reiterated concerns over problems encountered by the district due to its proximity to Gaborone.

Mr Sibisibi stated that rapid population growth led to numerous social ills such as high statistics of school dropouts.

“We are losing learners due to various reasons mostly pregnancy and desertion,” he stated.

He commended the business community, civil society and the international community for their support and contribution to initiatives that bridged the gap.

Kweneng District, he said, benefitted from the donation of a clinic and a primary school in  Mmopane from the Zion Christian Church and the People’s Republic of China respectively.

“Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge towards the housing appeal initiative through which a significant number of people were provided with shelter in our district,” said Mr Sibisibi.

The gathering was also briefed on plans to construct seven additional schools in Kumakwane, Mogoditshane Block 6 and 9, Lekgwapheng and Legonono wards in Molepolole, Kopong and Thamaga, during the remainder of ND11/DDP8.

Mr Sibisibi further stated that increased vehicle ownership, leading to the increased traffic, requiring regular servicing and upgrading of internal roads through community projects.

He said Molepolole Administrative Authority took the lead with 17.7km paved roads, followed by Mogoditshane/Thamaga with 12.3km.

A motivational speaker, Mr Calvin Phokontsi, urged councillors to be cautious and avoid being categorised under big or unnecessary spenders but to invest and  ensure prudent use of finances.

For her part, Kweneng District Council deputy chairperson, Ms Tshepo Warreus said she was grateful that through team work, they were able to achieve more in driving development of the district. ENDS