14 Jan 2021

Pandamatenga residents  have been implored to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and regulations following the detection of the highly infectious variant in the area.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in the village Wednesday, the area MP, Mr Machana Shamukuni said the rate at which the virus was spreading called for everybody to adhere to the health protocols.

The ongoing curfew, sale and consumption of liquor suspension were aimed at reducing the risks posed by COVID-19 on the public’s health, he explained.

On the increasing crime statistics, Mr Shamukuni urged residents to work with the police in combating crime and report perpetrators.

Briefing them on resolutions made in the last Parliament session, Mr Shamukuni mentioned the floor crossing bill which he said was aimed at safeguarding democracy and voters’ interests.

He explained that the bill sought to amend the constitution to cause a vacancy in the event an elected political representative resigned from the party under whose banner he/she was elected.

Mr Shamukuni, also Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology said the bill was prompted by the realisation that politicians crossed the floor after elections hence the need to safeguard the interests of voters.

He however clarified that the law would not apply where an elected representative had been expelled by the party.

Residents were also informed  about the impending establishment of a sexual offenders’ register to address the problem of gender based violence (GBV).

On other issues, the Chobe legislator told residents about a 12 steel grain silos project to be carried out by Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA).

With a storage capacity of 60 000 metric tonnes, the planned silos   would supplement the existing 30 000 metric tonnes ones, said the assistant minister. 

Mr Shamukuni said the silos would help enhance food production and reduce the country’s import bill.

Commenting, one resident, Mr Augustine Rodeck complained about failure by the Department of Crop Production to distribute herbicides.

Another resident, Mr Gobusamang Mafikizolo called on the Ministry of Health and Wellness  to introduce testing of locals travelling from red to green zones in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mr Mogolo Tuelo decried Chobe Land Board’s refusal to register and allocate old unused plots.

Meanwhile, VDC deputy chairperson, Mr Abel Namela complained about poor water quality in the village.

He also called for intensification of border patrols to combat cross-border crime.

In response, Chobe Land Board chairperson, Mr Johane Chenjekwa appealed to residents to give the board a chance to implement the planned layout for Pandamatenga.

The layout would also cater for marginalised groups such as the youth, women and People Living With Disability, he explained.

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) lead engineer, Mr Mogomotsi Mothowakgosi said although the water in Pandamatenga tasted salty; its quality conformed to Botswana Bureau of Standards set standard.

He further explained that the water was tested regularly to ensure it met the required standard.

Mr Mothowakgosi said the Department of Water Affairs was in the process of carrying out a project to help improve the taste of the water.

The implementing contractor was expected to be on site next month, he revealed.

He encouraged residents to continue paying their water bills to help keep the corporation running.

Acting district agricultural coordinator, Dr Bernard Mbeha explained that ISPAAD no longer  had a provision for supplying subsistence farmers with herbicides. Ends