23 Jun 2021

MP for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, has been requested to intervene in order for the community orchard planned for Riverside ward, under the Community Constituency Programme (CCP), to commence. 

The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Ms Sereeletso Tekeshu made the plea during a visit by Mr Kekgonegile.

The project was supposed to have been implemented in the 2017/18 financial year.

Ms Tekeshu said to-date, there was nothing on the ground, despite the villagers’ efforts of de-bushing the two-hectare plot along the Thamalakane River.

She stated that the council had long procured fruit trees such as mangoes, grapes and oranges among others, which were now being kept at the Department of Forestry and Range Resources nursery.

She blamed the council for failing the community, despite procuring some of materials such as jojo tanks and a generator, adding that they had expected the project to be operational by now.

Ms Tekeshu said some of the trees had died and wished the council could speed up the processes and ensure the remaining trees benefitted the community as planned.

She also called for proper handing over of the project so that they could operate it the traditional way, noting that they could use hosepipes to water the trees.

Ms Tekeshu stated that initially, they had wanted to use the plot for a recreational park, but the council convinced them to come up with a project which would not require more time hence the orchard.

Mr Kekgonegile said he was equally concerned about the delay in implementation of CCP projects, noting that there was no will and proper supervision from the council side.

He assured the VDC that he would follow up the issue and ensure the project was operational.

He also appreciated that VDC had done soil testing to improve quality and urged them to be patient, while he takes up the issue with relevant authorities. Ends