13 Jan 2020

Residents of Tati Siding and Shashe Bridge have been urged to engage former political leaders to guide them in development planning.

Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe described former politicians as development planning “consultants” because of their experience.

He pointed out that former politicians were in council leadership during difficult times. 

Meanwhile residents of the two Tati East constituency villages have unanimously agreed that their parliamentary office remain in Francistown. 

Dr Letsholathebe, who is the area MP, had suggested in kgotla meetings that the office remain in Francistown, which is central to all villages making up the constituency.

On another matter, the minister said he was aware that parts of the two villages were not electrified. 

He said there was only 1.4 kilometres of street lights in Tati Siding connected in 2002 whilst Shashe Bridge was without. 

In addition, the minister said some of the street lights were not working due to vandalism but noted that maintenance was underway though at a slow pace due to financial constraints.

Minister Letsholathebe said the issue presented great danger to residents of Tati Siding because the village was part of the greater Francistown area in which criminal activities were on the increase. 

He also noted that Tati Siding had poor storm water drainage system and culverts which resulted in flooding when it rained heavily. 

About the village’s sewerage system, he said government was always ready to assist financial resources permitting.

On the problem of shortage  of residential plots common to the two villages, Minister Letsholathebe  explained the land allocation  had to be preceded by servicing.

He however revealed that the North East District Council was collaborating with the Central District Council by hiring surveyors to speed up plot allocation. 

Talking about drinking water shortage in some parts of the two villages, the minister said  measures had been put in place to address the situation. 

 Dr Letsholathebe warned residents of the two villages about the dangers of electing Village Development Committee members along party lines saying it delayed development.  

At Tati Siding,  villagers requested government to deploy more police officers in the village where crime had increased due to its proximity to Francistown.

They also requested a doctor as well as a mobile clinic at Tati Siding west because the village had grown.

Another request was that Tati Siding be made a sub-district because Masunga was too far for  residents to access service.s 

Other requests were for a post office, a fully-fledged library and a youth centre.

On the request for a doctor, Tati Siding Clinic matron, Ms Kebalepile Ditsame said currently, patients who needed doctor’s attention were referred to Area W Clinic in Francistown.

Ms Ditsame said the clinic was also faced with a serious shortage of nurses. 

North East District chairperson, Ms Florence Mpetsane said previous efforts to establish a sub district council at Tati Siding failed due to financial constraints.

She said a mini rural administration centre had been established in the village to bring services closer to the people. Ends