04 Jun 2025

Hukuntsi District Council has pledged to usher in a new development plan that places a strong emphasis on healthcare and community-driven planning.

Speaking at the opening of a five-day full council meeting recently, council chairperson, Mr Steven Lekgobero, unveiled a detailed road map aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Hukuntsi district.

“I have the honour to present a road map for noting and consideration by this August House,” said Mr Lekgobero. He said the plan had already received a warm reception during its presentation at the forum for chairpersons and mayors in Gaborone last month.

Mr Lekgobero said the road map was built on extensive community consultations conducted through kgotla meetings and stakeholder engagements. He said it outlined eight key priorities the council would pursue between 2025 and 2029, noting that health services would be a district-wide priority.

“Council aims to establish nine mobile clinic stops across the district, expand the ambulance fleet with 10 new ambulances, and procure one educational mobile truck and three utility vehicles. The deployment of at least five new doctors and other medical personnel by 2029 is also targeted to strengthen primary health service delivery,” he said.

Mr Lekgobero noted that council was set to embark on several infrastructure projects, including the grading of 240km and paving of 40km of internal roads.

“Other notable commitments include the provision of 140km of street lighting, construction and maintenance of kgotla shelters, and upgrades to healthcare and school facilities. The Macheng Master Plan for sewage and storm water networks will also be developed by 2028,” he said.

He said to enhance public trust and engagement, council would conduct quarterly stakeholder meetings and introduce village liaison offices, introduce staff wellness committee and holding monthly executive briefings to promote accountability and efficient service delivery.

On environmental sustainability, he said efforts to improve waste management included establishing recycling centres in Kang and Tshane and procuring a refuse compactor truck. 

“Council also plans to relocate the Kang Clinic incinerator and remove hazardous asbestos structures from public facilities by 2029,” he said.

For community empowerment, he said the district would revitalise community farms and strengthen management of Village Development Committee (VDC) properties. Mr Lekgobero emphasised the need to support graduates of the Ipelegeng Skills Development program by engaging them in local development projects.

On digital transformation, he said the road map envisioned fully digitised council services by 2028; all health facilities would be connected to SmartBots and satellite networks, while internet access in primary schools would support smart learning environments.

He said to reduce dependency on external funding, council planned to form a council investment business by 2027 and acquire two commercial plots to boost local revenue generation streams. He said intensifying revenue collection efforts was a central focus of the road map.

On the Anti-Corruption measures, Mr Lekgobero emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, promising the establishment of a District Anti-Corruption Committee. “This roadmap is not just a vision; it is a contract between the council and the people of Hukuntsi District. Let us work together to build a legacy of development and accountability that future leaders can follow,” he said. ENDS