16 Oct 2024

Ramotswa District Council has launched a P4.7-million river crossing of Taung River along Ramotswa-Llara Notwane road implemented under the 2023/24 constituency community programme. 

Giving a keynote address,  during the official hand over in Ramotswa on Tuesday, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi said over the past five years the district had seen successful implementation of various projects that would leave a lasting legacy. 

Mr Moagi said the successful construction of River Crossing culverts at Ramotswa-Llara-Notwane, and the on-going construction at Lesetlheng and Ratauyagae crossings would ensure year-round road access to agricultural areas, even during heavy rains. 

Mr Moagi said in addition to the crossing of Taung River along Ramotswa-Llara Notwane road developments, the district council had graveled 25km of internal roads in various parts of the district, including Otse (8km), Mogobane (3km), Taung (4km), and Ramotswa (10km) as well as paving of 4.4km of internal roads in Ramotswa (2km), Taung (800m), and Otse (1.6km) which would significantly enhance accessibility and reduce transportation challenges for residents and businesses alike. 

He added that the improved roads would result in improved access to  services, markets, and essential facilities for the locals. 

Mr Moagi said better roads meant more accessible markets for local farmers, improving the agricultural sector and contributing to food security within the district. 

Moreover, he said clean water, adequate sanitation, and improved schooling facilities ensured that the community remained healthy and productive, while the housing projects would uplift the most vulnerable. 

He said waste management was  a crucial issue for any developing area. 

However, he noted that they remained positive that the procured landfill equipment, including a Tractor Loader Backhoe and two 10-cubic tipper trucks, would enhance waste disposal, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. 

In addition, he said under waste management, the construction of public toilets in Boatle ensured that proper sanitation facilities were available to the community, reducing the risk of public health issues. 

For his input, the Ramotswa District Council, Acting Council Secretary, Mr Dickie Kebinakgabo, said for the five-year period (2019-2024) the council had a budget of about P106 million for infrastructure development in the district and to date, approximately P92 million had been spent. 

Mr Kebinakgabo said the remaining funds would be apportioned among pending infrastructural developments within the district. 

Worth mentioning, Mr Kebinakgabo said, through the Destitute Housing Programme, 29 housing shelters were constructed across  four villages. 

This initiative provided dignified shelter for vulnerable families, improving their quality of life and promoting social welfare in the district, he said. 

He further  noted that Phase One of the Water Reticulation Project in Magope/Disana, which was implemented in partnership with the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), was a crucial step in addressing the ongoing water shortages in the area. 

Mr Kebinakgabo said access to clean water was a fundamental need, and the project ensured that more households could benefit from reliable water supply. 

Also, he said two classroom blocks were built at Kgetheng and St. Joseph’s primary schools. 

He said expressed hope that the classrooms would alleviate overcrowding in respective schools and provide a better learning environment, supporting the academic growth of children. 

Mr Kebinakgabo said the ERTP maintenance, which was successfully undertaken in the four primary schools, namely Baratani, Mojadife, Ketshwerebothata, and Lesetlhane as well as the maintenance of children’s playing equipment in all the primary schools were critical. On another note, he said the construction of LA 2 houses for teachers at Otse and St. Condrads would address the shortage of staff housing, which had been a significant challenge for years. 

He said in line with the council’s commitment to a sustainable environment, the construction of 1X9 cubicle waterborne toilets at St Conrad’s Primary School had improved sanitation, promoting better health and hygiene for pupils, ensuring a conducive learning environment. 

Furthermore, Mr Kebinakgabo said the 10 Green Technology Toilets that were constructed at St. Bernards, Mogobane, Mojadife, Baratani, and Otse primary schools would also address both sanitation and environmental concerns, adding that worth the Green Technology toilets were environmentally friendly. ENDs