02 Sep 2013

Kweneng Ward Development Committee (WDC) in Tonota have been praised for their revival of the spirit of self -reliance.

Speaking at the official opening of the kgotla office, shelter  and a water-borne toilet system at the ward,  the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlologile Tshireletso said the spirit of self-reliance, which was one the foundations of this nation, was slowly dying among Batswana.

She said in the olden days, through the self reliance spirit, communities were able to develop themselves by building institutions such as schools without expecting any payment.
Ms Tshireletso noted with concern that nowadays Batswana, and even some VDC members,  expect remuneration for all the community work they do.

The assistant minister, who is also Mahalapye East MP, said government could not afford to do everything for the nation as the country had been negatively impacted by the global economic recession.

For his part, Tonota South MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi commended the WDC for a job well done, and encouraged the WDC to carry on developing the village despite the fact that they were doing it on a voluntary basis.

Mr Moatlhodi said through their unity and self-reliance, they could raise the P60 000 that they needed to build a bigger roofed shelter.

Earlier on, councillor for the ward, Mr Botho Ntirang said the residents decided to officially open the projects as a way of thanking themselves for the work done and to appreciate the efforts by the government in developing rural communities.

Cllr Ntirang said the projects were partly funded through the Ipelegeng programme.

The WDC chairperson, Mr Bautlwe Molosiwa explained that while some of the funds were from the Ipelegeng programme, WDC members each made contributions towards the project and the area MP, Mr Moatlhodi funded all the supplies for the water system toilet.

A total of P37 922 was used for the projects of which P24 000 was from the Ipelegeng programme. ENDS