07 Sep 2022

Residents of Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency have suggested stricter laws to address the increasing number of cases of missing persons.

Speaking during kgotla meetings addressed by the Member of Parliament for the area, Dr Edwin Dikoloti in Molapowabojang, Dipotsana and Magoriapitse on Monday, residents said the situation was a serious concern that needed to be addressed.

Dr Dikoloti, who shared the villagers’ sentiments, said the fight was not only for the government, but the whole nation, adding, “We should all work together to fight this. 

The perpetrators live among  us, so we should start there”.

The MP said all criminal activities in the constituency, including stock theft, stealing materials meant for developments needed collaboration of all stakeholders such as communities and the police.

“Government can pass laws, but residents’ participation is critical to ensure positive results,”  he said, stressing that if there were no buyers of stolen goods, the trend would stop.

Dr Dikoloti advised people to stop buying stolen items, adding that the government would be forced to use the limited resources to replace stolen materials, hence delaying developments, as those funds could have been used for other developments.

“A lot of funds that could be used to carry out at least two or three projects would be used in one project. It is a draw back,” he said.

For his part, Kgosi Kedirile Letshabo of Molapowabojang applauded government for improving the allocation of residential plots, as well as distribution of water in the village.

He, however, decriednon-existence of a kgotla vehicle, even though Molapowabojang was one of the big villages in the district.

Meanwhile, Kanye Administrative Authority chairperson, Mr Simon Ramaphoi informed residents that the sub-council had decided to pave internal roads instead of grading them to give them a longer life.

Mr Ramaphoi also agreed with the suggestion of buying a borehole drilling truck for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency, saying it would improve constituents’ lives as they would drill boreholes at reasonable prices.

“The residents will be able to carry out their different agricultural projects and produce enough products as they have land. We will be able to produce our own food,” he said.

During his kgotla meetings, Dr Dikoloti gave all village development committees (VDCs)laptops, to not only improve their record- keeping, but to make it easier to communicate with different stakeholders.

He also promised to hold virtual meetings with all VDCs in the constituency to draw them closer to him and work hand-in-hand with them. BOPA