08 Sep 2013

Tutume Sub-district Council chairperson, Mr Phillip Makale has expressed concern that most village development committees (VDCs) were more engaged in Ipelegeng projects and less in income generating projects for the community. 

He told the sub-council session on September 5 that against this background, the department of social and community development started consultation meetings with VDCs and village stakeholders to address the situation.

He noted that the council had disbursed a total of P60 000 to Tutume Sub-district villages through their VDCs for Independence Day celebrations. He said the money was meant to augment available VDC funds for the celebrations.

Mr Makale said so far 34 out of 36 VDCs were operating within their term of office while Semitwe and Nshakashongwe had pending audit reports.

He informed council that Batanani Club in Sebina donated some toiletry and blankets to 18 destitute persons including two in Kutamogoree.

Councilllor Makale also informed councilors that Unik Construction donated 200 blankets to destitute persons and orphans in Nata, while Spare Times Social Club from Masunga donated clothing and toiletry to the destitute in Dzoroga 

Councilor Imi Phili of Tutume South complained the social and community development department were working in a crowded space and said the department needed to be provided with porta cabins so that there could be privacy during counseling.

CouncilLor Nurse Bolaane of Dzoroga applauded the ministry for starting activities that are aimed at encouraging behavior change and building self -esteem amongst remote area dwellers. She said although some people from her village did not qualify they would support the initiative.

On other issues, she expressed unhappiness over the Flamingo/Tsokaatshaa road which she said was in a bad state, and the main reason public officers were requesting transfers as it damaged their cars. 

She urged the council chairperson to invite the director at the Department of Roads to come and explain the issue and even visit the road.

Councillor Steven Keiphile of Nata also applauded those who continued to donate to the needy and said the spirit should be encouraged. He also called for internal roads to be graded frequently while council was still waiting for the economy to recover. Ends