04 Sep 2013

Government intends to replace cluster policing volunteers in Boteti Sub-district with special constables.

The district CID officer, Mr Livingstone Mado said due to the declining number of cluster policing volunteers from 350 to 120, government decided to increase the numbers of special constables. Mr Mado said since the inception of the programme in Boteti, the numbers had been declining while in Orapa people showed little interest. 

He said the funds budgeted for the programme would be used to pay special constables’ monthly allowances.  Cllr Thomas Kgethenyane of Moreomaoto/Khumaga ward had wanted to know why the number of cluster policing volunteers was reduced. 

Cllr Kgethenyane said he was shocked to learn that the number of volunteers had been reduced because progress on the programme was never shared with councillors.  For his part, Boteti Sub-council chairperson, Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe informed the ongoing session that government would spend P223.5 million on drought relief measures. 

Mr Galeragwe noted that the temporary employment quota under the drought relief programme and Ipelegeng would be increased by 275 in the Boteti area. The increase would result in the sub district engaging 2 240 people monthly from the initial number of 1 965, he explained.

For her part, Ipelegeng coordinator, Ms Dimpho Sedumedi told councillors that under the current financial year, 9 935 people had been engaged in various projects, of which 6 415 are females and 3 520 are males. With regard to the Ipelegeng feeding programme, Ms Sedumedi said for the quarter of July to September, 51 suppliers were engaged to provide snacks, bringing the total number of suppliers engaged since the beginning of this financial year to 101. 

Ms Sedumedi said shortage of water, breakdown of vehicles, desertion of projects by some contractors without notifying council and vandalism by wild animals are some of the challenges that hinder completion of some projects on time. She noted that the barrier fences at Rakops cemetery and Hima ranch at Kedia were destroyed by elephants. 

Ms Sedumedi told the meeting that as a remedial measure to the water shortage and transport problem, her office is assisted by bowsers and vehicles from other departments. ENDS