28 Jun 2020

Maun Administration Authority (MAA) Councilors have welcomed 2020/2021 revised budget as they are cognizant of the effects COVID-19. 

The MAA Finance Committee Chairperson Mr Luke Motlaleselelo also Councilor for Bojana ward informed the councilors that the MAA 2020/2021 budget had been affected by COVID-19 and had been reduced by P10 million.

Mr Motlaleselelo made the remarks at the MAA special council meeting held in Maun on June 26.

He observed that the initial budget was P191.4m  and now stood at P181.3m. 

The largest share of the budget, he said, was allocated to Social and Community Development (S&CD) followed by Education and Civil Mechanic respectively.

Mr Motlaleselelo observed that the council had so far utilised about P2.9 m.

 He added that the ministry advised the council to prioritise areas such as destitution and salaries saying the budget for roads had been reduced from about P2.4m to about P700 000.

Councilor Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng of Boseja South welcomed the budget noting that COVID-19 was an emergency situation.

Another Councilor, Mr Kebonyemodisa Ramolapo of Bombadi Thito said it was understandable that the sub-council budget was affected by the numerous projects and maintenance that were put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Makalamabedi councilor Mr Moetetsi Mogalakwe also welcomed the revised budget noting that maintenance of facilities affected some votes.

However Councilor for Senonnori, Mr Kenson Kgaga expressed concern over the budget slash. 

Mr Kgaga said given donations from local and international communities towards the COVID-19 relief fund, MAA budget should not have been affected. ends