23 Mar 2021

Deputy mayor of Gaborone City Council (GCC), Mr Lotty Manyepetsa says the effectiveness of council committees is paramount in ensuring that the vision of ‘empowered communities’ is realised.

Addressing GCC’s first virtual full council meeting in Gaborone on Monday, Mr Manyepetsa said the goal of empowering communities could be achieved if committees’ mandates were effectively delivered.

He noted that the spread of COVID-19 had resulted in restrictions in movements and gatherings, and that the delivery of projects and initiatives had been adversely affected as meetings could not be held as planned.

However, he said it should not hinder the council from delivering on its mandate within its capabilities.

Councillor Manyepetsa also highlighted that the performance of council committees had improved during the current quarter, saying they managed to complete agenda items and made resolutions.

He noted that the standing order committee had completed its assignment, adding that the standing order amendments were presented at the last consultative meeting and would be presented to council for approval.

He said due to COVID-19 Ward Development Committees (WDCs) never held elections, noting that it negatively affected communities and government as non performers could not be voted out.

“This scenario results in low performance and low productivity on community development projects,” he added.

He revealed that there had been reports of fraud within WDCs, especially on the engagement of Ipelegeng beneficiaries. He also said there had been reports of ghost employees who were being paid without providing a service.

Pertaining to partnerships and collaborations, the deputy mayor noted that GCC had entered into partnerships with different entities.

He said an agreement was signed between GCC and the University of Botswana (UB) in November 2020.

 He added that the agreement would facilitate the training of 30 officers on contract management and that the same officers would also undergo a project management course.

“This will assist GCC to successfully deliver on its mandate,” he said.

Mr Manyepetsa also urged the city council to leverage on the tyre recycling project which was recently launched by UB, saying  it would assist in achieving the city’s recycling mandate to keep Gaborone clean through the use of recycled materials.

The other partnerships, he said, were made between GCC and Botswana Fiber Networks (BOFINET), Beyond Targets as well as the Embassy of Japan.

The deputy mayor noted that the Embassy of Japan, through its Grant Assistant for Grassroots Human Security Projects, would construct a special unit at Ledumang Primary School.

 

He indicated that the total grant amounted to P115 9582 and that the tendering process had commenced. ENDS