10 Mar 2020

Central District councillors have requested a review of council standing orders and councillors’ welfare.

Commenting on council chairman’s speech during an ongoing full council meeting, councillors said most elected representatives were overwhelmed with duties in their wards.

Orapa Councillor Mr Thulaganyo Balopi, said the suggested review of the standing orders was expected to improve service delivery.

He said it would enable the political leadership to meet with management and other stakeholders to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Councillor Balopi stated that the electorate expected their representatives to assist with transport during funerals, weddings and sports activities, as well as to attend all village funerals without fail.

He said they were also expected to transport the sick night or day, attend and contribute in all village activities. 

Mr Balopi wanted standing orders to be amended to give councillors enough time to debate the chairman’s speech. 

He requested that each councillor be allotted 20 instead of the current 10 minutes. 

Councillor Balopi also queried councillors’ low salaries and allowances saying that was why they left politics impoverished.  

He said as democratically-elected local representatives,, they had a unique and privileged position and the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives but were encumbered by many responsibility.

“Everyday you will be expected to balance the needs of their local area, residents and voters, community groups, local businesses, political party and the council.

All will make legitimate demands on your time on top of your personal commitments to family, friends and workplace,” he said.

He said at the council they contributed to the development of policies and strategies, budget setting, scrutinizing council decisions or deciding on planning and licensing applications.

“A councilors’ primary role is to represent their ward or division and the people who live in it. Councillors provide a bridge between the community and the council,” he said.

He said councils needed clear strategies and policies to enable them to achieve their visions, make the best use of resources and deliver services meeting the needs of local communities.

“As a local councilor you will contribute to the development of these policies and strategies, bringing the views and priorities of your local area to the debate,’’ he said. Ends