20 Jan 2014

Residents of Tonota West have been urged to work with the Village Development Committee (VDC) in their quest to acquire a kgotla plot.

Tonota South MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said this at a kgotla meeting on January 16 when responding to Kgosi Kelebonye Tlhobogang, who wanted to know why it was taking long for their request for a kgotla plot to be addressed.

MP Moatlhodi told residents that the community should work together with the kgosi and VDC if they wanted to see developments in their village. He noted that since residents were seeking a plot for a kgotla and another for VDC offices, they should be ready to work together once the land was allocated in order to bring developments to their village.

He said people should not be pointing fingers at the VDC, but should be patient with the committee as it was not responsible for allocation of plots. Mr Moatlhodi, who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, noted that land allocations were done by land boards who would have considered the government’s development plan for the area.   He also urged residents to take care of their cattle, and not to let them roam the village as that was an offense.

The MP was responding to Kgosi Tlhobogang who complained that the village resembled a cattle post because of cattle that roam the village, adding that they posed a danger to drivers along the A1 road. He said cattle owners were expected to repair or replace vehicles that collided with cattle along the highway. He said the cattle could also be dangerous especially when with their offspring.

Answering a question from Ms Lydia Madimabe, who wanted to know whether there was no kraal in the village for matimela, the MP said the council has built one and would use it if residents failed to take care of their cattle. Regarding those who inherited plots but had not yet changed ownership, the MP said they should work hand in hand with the land board
On other issues, the MP encouraged residents to make use of the recent heavy rains in the area. ENDS