24 May 2020

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Eric Molale, has advised Ghanzi District leadership to avoid over delegating their responsibilities to subordinates.

Speaking during a meeting in Ghanzi on Friday , Mr Molale said delegating too much could create unnecessary missteps and or stall service delivery.

Therefore, he said leaders must be always available to give appropriate guidance, adding that feedback should be a new norm and must be embraced by all.

He also challenged the leadership to pay more attention in the COVID-19 pandemic fight and avoid to be part of the fight for opportunities.

Minister Molale said though the law did not prevent them from taking part in tendering, a leader loses certain rights and privileges.

Mr Molale conceded that they could have committed some mistakes when discharging their services during the trying time of COVID-19 pandemic because of working with speed.

He acknowledged that some tendering decisions were marred by controversies and elucidated that though Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) Act and Local Authorities Procurement and Assets Disposable (LAPAD) Act had provisions for emergency procurement, there were processes and procedures that must be followed with transparency.

Ghanzi District Council secretary, Mr Dick Kalantle, said though three sites had been identified inside Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) for the development of lodges, the leadership twas uncomfortable that proceeds would not benefit CKGR dwellers.

He said they were against the arrangement that CKGR dwellers would only benefit through employment while the proceeds would be enjoyed by populace of Xere, New Xade and Kaudwane, which were settlements outside CKGR.

“It will be unfair for CKGR residents and we are still engaging the relevant stakeholders regarding the issue.” He noted.

Meanwhile, Ghanzi District Council chairperson, Councillor Thato Tshweneyagae praised his district for having risen to the occasion in response to COVID-19 pandemic fight. He pleaded with the minister to consider use of 3-5 thermometers in populated schools to promote social distancing.

He also lamented that late payment of farmers by Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) was haunting farmers, saying feedlots were unable to buy cattle from farmers, adding the beef industry needed urgent lifeline because it was the main stay of Ghanzi economy. ends