02 Jun 2026

Kweneng District Councilors have called for unity, innovation and strengthened service delivery.

The appeal was in response to prevailing fiscal challenges, resulting shortage of health services, delayed assessment of potential social welfare beneficiaries, transport shortage and lack of infrastructure maintenance.

Responding to the Council Chairperson’s address at a full council session recently, councillors even though acknowledging the financial pressures facing the country urged both political and administrative leadership to work collaboratively to minimise the impact on communities.

Cllr Michael Bagopi of Mokgopetsane Ward called for introspection among council leadership, stressing the need for cohesion between political and administrative authorities.

“We need to deeply reflect and assess ourselves on whether we are working together as a unit because differences and tension often affect service delivery,” he said.

Cllr Bagopi noted that financial constraints were affecting implementation of projects and commitments made to communities. He cited a mobile clinic caravan previously proposed for his ward, saying clarity was needed regarding its status.

He further expressed concern that economic pressures could worsen poverty and hunger levels, urging social welfare officers to intensify assessments of vulnerable households.

At the same time, he commended government for absorbing temporary cleaners into permanent employment, saying the move had restored dignity to many workers.

He however, appealed for similar consideration to be extended to temporary teachers, some of whom have reportedly served for over a decade without permanent placement.

Cllr Benson Rauwe of Lesilakgokong-Kotolaname Ward emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of the country’s economic situation, saying ordinary citizens should also appreciate the implications of the economic downturn.

“When we talk about the economic downturn, we should take it seriously and help people understand what it means,” he said.

He observed that a significant portion of the budget was directed toward salaries, leaving limited resources for development initiatives.

Cllr Rauwe said financial constraints have contributed to challenges affecting infrastructure such as roads and clinics, while shortage of vehicles continue to impact service delivery.

While appreciating recent grading of Molepolole-Lesilakgokong-Kotolaname gravel road, Cllr Rauwe said the development coincided with rainy conditions, therefore nullifying efforts made to improve the road surface.

For his part, Councillor Mpho Segwe of Lekgwapheng Ward urged leadership and communities to work together in addressing economic challenges.

“Let us work together to fight this financial crisis and demonstrate the leadership entrusted upon us by the people,” he said.

Cllr Segwe said shoratge of medicines was a matter requiring urgent attention, therefore encouraging exploration of partnerships through Botswana’s bilateral relations, including engagement with international health institutions, to strengthen access to medication.

Meanwhile, Councillor Tshetlha Sentlhaga of Sojwe-Lephepe Ward highlighted transport shortages as a major impediment to service delivery in his constituency.

He cited challenges at the 24-hour clinic in Lephepe, including delays in disposal of clinical waste due to lack of transport.

Cllr Sentlhaga further raised concerns over maintenance of schools and staffing levels for cleaners, noting that at Sojwe Primary School, three cleaners were responsible for maintaining 20 classrooms, ablution facilities and an administration block.

He said additional support will strengthen hygiene standards and suggesting engagement of Ikageng beneficiaries for cleaning positions at the school. ends