27 Nov 2022

Takatokwane constituency is a potential agric hub as farming is the only economic activity in the area, Member of Parliament for Takatokwane has said.

In his debate of the State-of-the-Nation-Address, Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe said the agric sector could be used as the backbone of the country’s food security, arguing that more should be done to enable the sector to do better.

He, therefore, said establishing an agriculture hub in the Takatokwane constituency could help revitalise the rural farming in the area by positioning farmers well to engage in activities that would have socio and economic impact.

He urged government to support and encourage cluster farming as the initiative was known for speedy service delivery.

Mr Leuwe said establishment of a commercial farming bank would deal with the high costs of farm implements. Once set up, he said the bank would provide farmers with better market opportunities.

In his appeal for resuscitation of national agricultural shows, he said they had proved to present valuable opportunities for farmers not only to network but promote their produce.

On other issues of developments, Mr Leuwe called on government to establish a road levy for heavy trucks that were plying the Takatokwane route for better management of roads.

He said the 110km Letlhakeng-Kaudwane road played a pivotal road in the socioeconomic development of the area hence necessary to develop the road at least in phases. He said the road passed through production areas.

He thanked local government for the recent upgrade of subordinate authorities saying it was an indication of incoming developments. However, he asked for the sub-district to be moved from Letlhakeng to Takatokwane.

Mr Leuwe decried the poor working conditions of the dikgosi and asked government to fill up vacant Kgosi posts in Tsetseng, Takatokwane, Maboane, Magakabe and Ditshegwane.

The Takatokwane legislator said the destitute policy was outdated and needed to be reviewed in order to tally with recent developments and challenges.

He advised that the informal sector could be supported by establishing a special dispensation for the sector to operate.

Mr Leuwe said electrification in Takatokwane remained a challenge but was hopeful that several villages in the constituency would be connected to the national grid. ENDS