27 Feb 2025

Good service delivery can only be effectively facilitated by officers who are mentally and emotionally balanced, according to Francistown East MP, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima. He made these remarks while addressing heads of departments in Francistown on Thursday.

Mr  Ntsima emphasised that government departments played a critical role in delivering services and highlighted the importance of the staff’s physical, emotional, and psychological fitness in ensuring efficient service provision. “Fitness allows for good services to be given to Batswana and for developments to easily flow,” he stated.

He urged the adherence to the culture of Botho, which emphasises respect for individuals and good customer relations, ensuring that clients feel satisfied and valued. “Deliver services in an impressive manner so that the customer feels free to come back for further assistance,” he added.

The MP also pointed out that Francistown, being an older city, required an overhaul in service delivery to improve governance standards. He called for collaboration among different departments to address challenges and ensure that citizens receive the necessary assistance from government offices. “Actions should speak louder than just engagements,” he noted, stressing that effective service delivery was ultimately about meeting people’s needs.

Responding to the MP,   City Clerk of Francistown, Mr Stephen Motlogelwa, expressed concerns over the city’s infrastructure, which he claimed did not keep pace with the city’s growth. He highlighted the recent floods, which intensified existing potholes and underscored the challenges of maintaining infrastructure due to financial constraints. 

“There are houses that are not occupied because they are in a state of disparity and are not user-friendly,” he remarked, advocating for a coordinated approach to service delivery within the city.

Francistown’s Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Patrick Toteng, noted that various departments are working on internalizing the budget speech to tailor it to their specific mandates. He asserted that this strategy would enhance the efficiency of government services, even amid resource limitations. Mr. Toteng also lamented the tragic loss of two lives due to the recent floods affecting the city.

Mr. Letsweletswe Seleke from the Department of Labour emphasised that limited resources and staffing challenges hinder service delivery, particularly as Francistown serves surrounding districts as well.

Dr Keorapetse Mmualefe, Coordinator of the Greater Francistown District Health Management Team, praised the Minister for the government’s commitment to career development within the health sector. He acknowledged the frustrations within the health system while affirming the need for patients to receive the assistance they require. He concluded by stating that listening to department heads would help inspire continued hard work and that recognizing achievements is crucial for maintaining staff morale. ENDS