02 May 2020

Lobatse MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka has commended the town’s leadership for handling the COVID-19 lockdown process professionally.

Speaking during a brief meeting, Dr Matsheka, who is also Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, said he was  happy at how the town's leadership improved systems and processes to address challenges faced by the community during lockdown.

“Initially, I received a lot of complaints from the public concerning permits. But I am happy that you listened to their grievances and improved where you could. What is important is to listen and respond to challenges in the community,” said Dr Matsheka.

He said people complained that they found it difficult to access permits to shop for food.

However, the situation improved after the lockdown team resolved to issue 40 permits per day at each of the three customary courts in the town in Peleng, Wood Hall and Thema.

Dr Matsheka further urged Lobatse Town Council to ensure that every person who required food relief was assisted. He said he received complaints from some families that they were not assisted although they did not have the means to buy food.

The MP cautioned against corrupt practices in spending of Covid-19 relief funds in the town. “We are going to pay close attention to that, and we are going to scrutinise how the P1.1 million COVID-19 money is spent,” he said.

He also thanked businesses that had donated to COVID-19 food relief in Lobatse. “I am happy that the business community is continuing to assist in this town,” he said.

Dr Matsheka visited customary courts in the constituency to meet, greet and encourage essential service workers who issue permits to the public during the lockdown period.

Lobatse deputy district commissioner, Ms Kolobetso Sejakgomo said a number of companies and individuals had made donations in the town.

“Donations include food hampers and money for the COVID-19 relief fund. We issue all the food to the office of the town clerk and they distribute it to the community,” she said.

Lobatse town clerk, Ms Boikhutso Matenge explained that over 4 600 households were assessed. She said about 3 000 households were recommended for food relief.

She said those recommended had been divided into different food baskets according to the size of the family, adding that family sizes ranged from two to more than 11 people. ENDS