17 Dec 2020

Members of the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) have presented a number of requests to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

   Speaking in a consultative meeting with the President in Gaborone December 17, BALA chairperson, Mr Geoffrey Sibisibi appealed for recognition of the organisation’s role in national issues.

 He pointed out that local authorities were paramount in the development agenda, service delivery and decentralisation of services. 

Mr Sibisibi appealed to government to improve welfare of councillors.

He suggested the introduction of a green book with clearly defined roles for councillors.

The move would minimise clashes between the administration and political wing at municipal level, he said.

“The Green Book should be fast tracked to avert tussles between political wing and administration because there will be clear and laid down rules of engagement,” said Mr Sibisibi.

On other issues, the BALA chairperson said delayed appointment of council secretaries created gaps in operations of local authorities and had the potential to affect overall service delivery.

Additionally, he called on government to assist BALA in collaborating with the United Nations delegation and other development partners in determining priorities. 

BALA would benefit from the endeavour since the UN recognised local authorities as state actors in the developmental process, he said. 

Mr Sibisibi disclosed that BALA was working on developing a roadmap for local development priorities.

 Meanwhile, he said a Local Economic Development Framework for Botswana had been developed to complement government’s development efforts . 

 The framework had been piloted in four districts, he said.ends