08 Jul 2020

Mogoditshane/Thamaga sub-council chairperson, Mr Ofentse Mafoko has clarified information regarding some projects in his sub-council which are said to have cost government millions which could have been avoided.

Addressing councillors during the sub-council session on July 6, councillor Mafoko cautioned that misinforming the public could cause unnecessary tension and also lead to some misguided perception about government.

“If we are not careful with this kind of approach it can lead to public unrest,” he said.

Mr Mafoko explained that the sub-district had not built a toilet at a cost of P1 million, but rather an ablution block at Nkoyaphiri Primary School.  

The project comprises of five girls toilets, four boys toilets, 10 hand wash basins including four urinals and one storeroom for cleaning material and equipment. 

He also said the ablution block included water and electricity reticulation and sewage connection.  

Councillor Mafoko explained that the actual works for Nkoyaphiri Primary School were done at a cost of P552 738 excluding value added tax paid at P75 376. 

He said the total cost of the project stood at P628 115. Mr Mafoko also stated that the sub-council had never constructed seven toilets in Gabane/Mmankgodi alleged to have cost P7 million.  Instead, he said only one toilet block at Serameng Primary School in the constituency was constructed at P544 433 VAT inclusive.  

He said the project was complete and had since been handed over.

Some councillors concurred with the chairperson, saying recent media reports have tainted the sub council’s image and has also attracted negative publicity.

Gabane North East councillor, Mr Ofentse Mareme said the sub-district had a big challenge on the land issue. 

He requested council to convene a special meeting with Mogoditshane Sub Land Board to get to the bottom of issues surrounding land in Mogoditshane.

Ledumadumane’s councillor, Mr Otlaadisa Kgwatala also condemned recent media reports, saying they put the council on the spotlight and thereby tarnishing councillors names.  

He said those responsible for propagating untruths about council projects must be held to account for such behaviour.  He also requested a special dispensation for Ledumadumane residents to have water. Ends