09 Mar 2020

Senior programmes officer at the Department of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development Mr Kagiso Makoba says the construction of Rakops mini-stadium is anticipated to commence in April.

Speaking during a council meeting at Letlhakane recently, the officer said procurement for its facilities was underway.

Mr Makoba was responding to a question asked by Tsienyane West’s Councillor Batsweletse Kgagamedi, who requested for an update on the commencement date of the construction of Rakops mini-stadium.

The Officer stated that the evaluation of Expression of Interest had been completed and restricted bidding method was approved for the successful bidders.

Mr Makoba stated that issuance of financial documents commenced before end of last month for three components being change rooms, boundary wall and ticket booth.

The tender submissions will then be subjected to a further evaluation process, which will last about two to three weeks before the tender can be awarded.

He said procurement for market stalls was not yet initialised as the budgeted amount for all the facilities was not adequate for all the components.

Councillor Thomas Kgethenyane of Khumaga/Moremaoto also requested an explanation as to why Youth Development Fund (YDF) quota was not allocated per village as opposed to first come first served system.

Mr Makoba indicated that since its inception in 2009, the YDF had always been allocated per constituency and there had never been any consideration to further subdivide the fund per village.

He said that was necessitated by the fact that young people were not restricted to apply only to their home villages, but were at liberty to establish their projects wherever they want.

Mr Makoba noted that applications were appraised on their merits to allow young people an equal opportunity.

He nevertheless said special despensation could be made for Remote Area Dwellers and People Living With Disabilities.

He noted that during the current financial year, over and above the first come first served basis system, applications were considered as per sector. ENDS