04 Sep 2013

Engagement between the national political leadership and local authorities provides a platform for sharing ideas as well as discussing policy implementation and development challenges. 

When addressing cabinet ministers, councillors and civil servants during a special council meeting in Selebi Phikwe on September 3, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said cabinet also needed to hear from councillors issues that impacted on service delivery. 

He urged the executive and local authorities to collectively work together to find common ground and solutions to these issues. “As leadership at local level, councillors should be able to articulate people’s interest and aspirations and ensure that local authorities in Botswana are responsive and accountable to the communities they serve,” said President Khama.

He said government was fully aware of its responsibility to develop this country and improve the lives of Batswana and it was therefore important that the government marshaled its efforts and limited resources at its disposal to improving the lives of its citizens. He said it was important for all stakeholders to consult continuously to better understand and implement what people wanted and to get feedback.

“As a key service provider at local level, you do provide that important link. We must be informed by people’s aspirations through consultation,” he stressed.

President Khama also urged councillors to be transparent and honest with their constituents about the state of the economy in terms of the council’s ability to regenerate the requisite revenues to finance development and current expenditure requirements.  He further urged councilors to ensure optimal use of the limited public resources at their disposal. 

“Resource allocation within your council must reflect agreed priorities. You also need to step up your revenue collection efforts so that you get what is due to you so that you supplement the grant that you get from government,” he said.

Councillors were also urged to put aside individual interests and to come together to draw on collective experience in order work together towards a better life for Batswana.  He added that proper coordination, teamwork, prudence in the use of public resources and consultation were key to efficient service delivery in the public service. 

The President further called for humility, resilience, transparency as well as communication and feedback, saying they were important traits that needed to be adhered to in order to achieve prompt delivery of services. 

“Government needs to create a culture of achievement with emphasis on delivery by all to bring developments to the country and uplift the lives of Batswana,” said President Khama.  ENDS