21 Jan 2021

The establishment of community projects is critical in ensuring self-sufficiency and self-reliance amongst Batswana post COVID-19.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by the area MP, the mayor of Selebi Phikwe, Mr Lucas Modimana said it was imperative to establish  sustainable community projects, adding that it was evident that the country’s economy would be affected post  COVID-19.

Mr Modimana also said the country was facing an economic recession and that it might slip into a depression. 

Mr Modimana noted that it would put a strain on families financially and that it was important to strengthen the foundations of communities.

Mr Modimana emphasised that communities should find ways to emerge from the pandemic, adding that people should be ready for what was to come after COVID-19.

“This calls for establishment of strong projects which can generate revenue for our communities,” said Mr Modimana.

Mr Modimana said the Selibe Phikwe Town Council was committed to helping individuals  and communities, noting that Batswana artisans were engaged in COVID-19 projects such as renovating schools.

Mr Modimana also applauded the area MP for the consultative meeting, adding that it was through dialogue that they could be able to carry the country forward.

For his part, the MP for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Kgoberego Nkawana said he strongly believed in the viability of community trusts.

He said the Selibe Phikwe citrus project  was expected to employ multitudes, adding that the oranges would be processed and packaged in Selibe Phikwe thus creating more jobs for locals.

Mr Nkawana expressed concern over illegal sand mining in the area, saying the rivers in the area were an important resource for residents and that they should be safe guarded for the benefit of locals.

Selebi Phikwe deputy district commissioner, Mr Mokgethi Nfila informed residents that the DCEC office had procured, through SPEDU, 23 hectares of land at Ranyeletse settlement  to start a horticulture project under the Poverty Eradication Programme.

He explained that the project was delayed by lack of water in the area, saying arrangements were underway to source water from a Mmadinare Co-operative borehole. Ends