23 Jan 2020

Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Thapelo Letsholo has appealed to Bangwaketse to support the construction of a mini-stadium in their area.

Acknowledging their disappointment following the deferment of the  project, Mr Letsholo told residents during kgotla meeting in Ranaka on January 21 that there was need to embrace the idea, adding ‘half a loaf of bread is better than nothing.’

Mr Letsholo underscored the need to develop infrastructure in order to nurture various sporting talents among young people.

He urged them to give the authorities a go ahead with the mini-stadium pending availability of funds for a bigger project.

"Since there are two designated plots, I propose that we allocate the smaller one for the mini-stadium and reserve the bigger plot for the future," he said.

Mr Letsholo noted that Kanye North had potential to establish itself as a tourism hub, thereby creating employment and improving the economy of the communities.

He urged residents to establish trusts which could help in exploring tourism opportunities in the area.

Mr Letsholo said there was need to engage other tourism stakeholders such as Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and Botswana Gambling Authority to find ways to exploit the area for big recreational projects.

He expressed his intention to work with various village trusts in the constituency to improve their operations for the benefit of the communities.

Furthermore, the MP called for unity and a good working relationship among current and former leaders to develop the constituency.

"We need to come together and collectively map how we want things to be done because I cannot manage these on my own. There is need for support from village elders and leaders, including former legislators because their wisdom and advice could go a long way in developing the constituency," he said.

He applauded Ranaka Primary School leaders and learners for last year's improved results and emphasised the need to motivate teachers and pupils to keep improving the results.

Consequently, Mr Letsholo said he had found a sponsor for Boiteko Junior Secondary School prize giving and would do the same for the primary school.

For their part, the residents decried shortage of water, poor roads and shortage of office space and accommodation for public officers. 

A resident, Mr Dimpho Mothibedi appealed to the council to help the village development committee to renovate old and dilapidated houses in the village to address accommodation shortage for public officers. ENDS