11 Dec 2019

 Central District Council (CDC) councillors have been informed that their role is to represent their wards and the people who live there.

The CDC deputy council secretary, Mr Cosmos Sewagodimo made the remark when speaking at a four-day orientation for councillors in Serowe on December 10.

“As a democratically elected local representative, you have a unique and privileged position and the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives,’’ he said.

He said councillors were a bridge between the community and the council, adding that residents expected their representatives to respond to their queries and investigate their concerns.

He added that being a councillor was hard work as everyday they would be expected to balance the needs of their wards, their electorate, community groups, local businesses, political parties and the council. Mr Sewagodimo said all would make demands on their time on top of their personal commitment to family and friends.

“As a councillor you will have many different roles to balance. As the local elected representative you will engage with residents and groups on a wide range of issues and take on important community leadership roles,’’ he noted.

He said at council they were expected to contribute to the development of policies and strategies, including budget setting, and that they may be involved in scrutinising council decisions or taking decisions on planning or licensing applications.

He said in order to understand and represent local views and priorities, they needed to build strong relationships and engage their constituents to get their views. “Good communication and engagement is central to being an effective councillor,” he advised.

Mr Sewagodimo also said community leadership was at the heart of modern local government, as councils worked in partnership with local communities and organisations, including the private sector to develop a vision for their locality.

Furthermore, he said councils were not just service providers, but also acted as regulators.

He noted that councillors may be appointed to sit in many council committees. ENDS