19 Sep 2024

Mahalapye District Council had an opportunity to reflect on challenges and successes as the 2019/2024 political term culminates.

Addressing Mahalapye District Council meeting  recently, chairperson, Mr Banthasetse Merementsi said the crime rate in the district had declined during this quarter giving credit to various efforts and strategies employed by the Botswana Police Service.

He said there was a slight increase in murder cases from six  recorded between April to June 2023 as compared to nine recorded same period last year. He said  most  cases happened at homes where the police do not have access or control to prevent the unfortunate situation that ultimately result in deaths.

Mr Merementsi also noted that for the same period Mahalapye district experienced a decline in fatal road accidents and deaths recording seven and 11 respectively from April to June 2023 and four fatal and four deaths respectively during the period April to June 2024.

The council chairperson said over the past two years, the district had experienced a notable increase in the number of medical specialists.

“This development has significantly reduced patients waiting times for operations and specialist consultations, decreased the need for referrals to major referral hospitals.” he said.

He also mentioned that  Mahalapye Hospital boasts 17 specialists, including two General Surgeons, one Paediatric Surgeon, two Psychiatrists, two Internal Medicine Physicians, one Gynaecologist, two Paediatricians, three Orthopaedic Surgeons, two Family Physicians, one Neurologist, and one Anaesthesiologist.

Mr Merementsi also said drugs availability had improved significantly in the district highlighting that at present, the availability of hypertension and anti-diabetic drugs stands at 93 per cent.

He also noted that District Health Management Team (DHMT) continued to mitigate drug shortage through the rolling out of the Chronic Medication Programme and procurement of drugs t from local pharmacies.

He added that a total of 2 648 patients were enrolled in the Chronic Medication Programme and accessed their medication from local private pharmacies.

On other issues the chairperson said the Ipelegeng programme continued to do well under Ipelegeng Skills Development Component (ISDC) stating that they would hand over three major projects as follows; classroom blocks at Setsile, semi-detached staff house at Sefhare JSS and LA2 staff house in Shakwe.

Moreover, Mr Merementsi said other projects, which included  construction of clinics at Kalamare, Mosolotshane and Otse which are all at roof level were progressing well. He the council would hold a groundbreaking ceremony in October, for the construction of an office block in Rural Administration Council (RAC) which would be delivered through the Ipelegeng Skills Development Component.

“You will agree with me that this initiative has benefited our district both in terms of engaging beneficiaries and curbing unemployment and deliver of high impact projects.” he said.

Mr Merementsi reminded members of the council that the general elections would be held 30 October, to determine the composition of the 13th Parliament as well as local councils across the country.

He stated that a total of 68 129 people had registered to vote across the district, which includes 16 566 in Mahalapye East, 16 487 in Mahalapye West, 18 604 in Tswapong South and 16 472 in Shoshong. Ends