05 Sep 2022

Residents of Palapye have expressed the need for the fast-developing village to be divided into two constituencies given its increasing population, which is attributed to developments. 

The residents told the Delimitation Commission in Palapye last week that because of its strategic location, Palapye was growing fast and had become home to a number of institutions among them BIUST, Morupule Coal Mine and big malls which attract people to seek employment opportunities.

They said even though Palapye was not vast geographically, its population was growing as shown by the 2022 Housing and Population Census, which pegged the village’s population at 54 654  compared to 40 694 recorded in 2011.  

“Because of the village’s high population, it is challenging for the Member of Parliament to carry out his mandate,” they said.

They, therefore, suggested that Palapye could have two constituencies named Palapye North and Palapye South, but they were divided on how the constituencies could be formed. 

Some said if split into two, the constituencies could be created by adding nearby villages.

Speaking on behalf of Palapye residents, Palapye Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Lekgobo Gaedupe said during the 2012 delimitation commission they had requested for another constituency, but their plea was not acceded to as they did not meet the set threshold. 

At that time the population of Palapye was 40 691. 

He proposed that such villages aas Radisele, Lecheng and Malaka could be added to Palapye to make Palapye South constituency while Topisi and Tamasane could be added to make Palapye North.      

One of the residents, Mr Isaac Maforaga added that villages that could also be added to Palapye South were Mogome and Mokgware. 

In contrast, Moreomabele, Diloro and Kgagodi could be added to Palapye North. Another resident, Mr Modise Molefhe concurred with Mr Maforaga on the need to create a new constituency. 

Mr Thebe Johannes of Dikabea said such villages as Mokgware and Mogome, which belonged with Palapye, were added to Serowe constituencies in the 2012 delimitation and they should be brought back.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Palapye, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi said it was clear that Palapye residents were resolute that they needed another constituency. 

He said some of the villages such as Radisele, Lecheng and Malaka should be added to the Palapye constituency as it used to be. ends