29 Jul 2024

Bothatogo Village Development Committee (VDC) is currently focusing on establishing multiple sources of revenue to support the implementation of development programmes within the village. 

Mr Makgobo Kommerese, the VDC chairperson, revealed in an interview that the committee has taken steps towards expanding and diversifying its income streams.

Initially reliant on revenue from house rentals, Mr Kommerese expressed concerns that the funds generated were insufficient to fund various community development projects. 

In light of this, the VDC has pursued diversification strategies to bolster its financial resources. The committee currently oversees 11 houses, including two LA2s and several two-room structures.

To enhance revenue diversification, the committee has identified a plot for potential vegetable gardening. They have applied for this plot with the intention of establishing a borehole and cultivating fresh produce for sale within Bothatogo and neighboring villages. 

Mr Kommerese emphasised the importance of maintaining a stable revenue base to support village development initiatives and empower local communities.

In addition to the vegetable gardening project, the VDC is exploring other ventures, including operating a quarry to extract sand, gravel, and concrete for supply to construction entities. 

He said plans also included a brick molding project aimed at creating job opportunities and fostering community prosperity.

Despite their proactive approach to revenue generation, Mr Kommerese highlighted the challenges faced by the village in accessing the Constituency Community Programme (CCP). This programme, designed to facilitate grassroots projects and stimulate the local economy, has yet to benefit Bothatogo. The VDC had proposed a butchery under the CCP, which remains inoperational due to funding limitations.

While acknowledging efforts to address funding constraints within the CCP, Mr Kommerese underscored the importance of realising community-driven development projects. 

The VDC remains hopeful that their initiatives will come to fruition, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and fostering sustainable economic growth within the village, he said.

Meanwhile, in a council meeting, senior economic planner, Ms Malebogo Magano said three projects would be implemented under Ngami constituency citing that Sehithwa village required paving of 500m to cater for the completion of the road from clinic to primary school.

The other project in Sehithwa to be undertaken is completion of road network from junior school of 80m to cater for the connection of the road network to both primary and junior schools.Another project to be undertaken in the constituency, she said was the completion of Bothatogo butchery saying it would be fully electrified to allow for its operation as an income generating project for the VDC. ENDS