11 Dec 2019

Failure to complete projects is a worrisome trend that has to be condemned at all costs.

When delivering his maiden speech this week, Letlhakeng Sub-district Council chairperson, Mr Meshack Tshenyego, said the 2018/19 funding cycle saw poor implementation of projects in the sub-district.

He said out of the 15 projects in the Letlhakeng/Lephephe constituency, only five were completed, while four out of 18 projects in the Takatokwane constituency were completed.

Mr Tshenyego said a total of 12 projects had not started and residents were asking questions about the delay.

He said of particular interest was the recent commissioning of Salajwe Post Office.

He further said there was need to see some improvements in project implementation, adding that managers should work harder to ensure success.

The sub-council chairperson highlighted that some projects delays were due to contract sums exceeding project memorandum provisions such as Moshaweng integrated office project.

Mr Tshenyego encouraged institutions such as Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) and the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) to also deliver on their mandates, especially when council had fully paid them.

“We currently have projects such as electrification of VDC houses in Botlhapatlou, Mantshwabisi and Takatokwane that have been delayed by the utility providers, including installation and connection of transformers in villages such as Matlagase,” he said.

On other matters, the sub-council chairperson said backlog maintenance works were on-going at four schools being Sesung, Kaudwane, Serinane and Tsetseng.

He said contracts had also been signed for an additional three schools being Botlhapatlou, Motokwe and Gothibamang.

Mr Tshenyego said due to budget cuts, Takatokwane Primary School was dropped from the backlog programme, but would be scheduled for priority in the next backlog funding.

He said under the Poverty Eradication Programme, a total of 8 685 had been mobilised and 8 182 assessed.

The sub-council chairperson said 4 176 had been assessed to qualify for assistance and packaging, while 4 006 did not qualify.

Mr Tshenyego added that amongst those qualified, 3 036 had been trained, while 802 were still awaiting training.

He further said from these, 1 817 had been funded while 921 were awaiting funding and 68 partially packaged.

He said 1 519 poverty eradication programme projects were operational and amongst these, 30 were deemed to be excelling, whilst 16 had failed. 

The sub-council chairperson urged councillors to take interest in these projects and offer guidance and mentorship to the beneficiaries to ensure their success. 

He said of the cumulative financial allocation of P4.7 million and already over P2.2 million (53.5 per cent) had been used. Ends