Speaking during a full council session on Monday, Mr Motsage said potential investors had approached the council willing to help develop the village but their efforts were frustrated by prolonged processes, inadequate assistance and poor feedback mechanisms.

“Investors have walked away from potential projects in our village. They did not leave because they lacked financial capacity or commitment. They left because of unnecessary delays and a lack of urgency in our systems,” said Mr Motsage.

He said the situation was disturbing because the greatest burden of these missed opportunities fell on unemployed youth, struggling families and future generations who were looking up to council to create an environment where development could thrive and livelihoods improve.

“Let me take the proposed mall project as a practical example. For the past ten years this project has remained ‘on the cards’. Ten years of discussions, ten years of promises, ten years of endless consultations without implementation. Frankly speaking, I am tired of talking and our people are equally tired of hearing promises without results. 

I therefore want to make it absolutely clear today that this mall project must be delivered this year and it will be delivered,” said Mr Motsage. 

He said despite these shortcomings businesses and investors were still willing to work with the council as they possessed the resources, expertise and capability to transform the village.

Mr Motsage said what potential partners required was support, cooperation, efficiency and a conducive environment in which to do business.

“It is worth noting that when development takes place, lives change for the better. Employment opportunities are created during construction and during operations. 

Small businesses grow, infrastructure improves and the village becomes more attractive to further investment,” he added.

He said delaying investors could not be treated as a minor administrative matter as it ultimately led to delays in job creation.

He added that delay in approvals was a delay in development, while a delay in decision-making was a delay in transforming people’s lives. In other matters Mr Motsage said GaMalete council remained steadfast in reinforcing prudent financial management and enhancing spending efficiency by ensuring that the current financial year’s budget, actions remained consistent with the economic realities of the country.

He acknowledged the progress made on the asphalt overlay and road marking project for the Boatle–Ramotswa road.

He said it was important to highlight the significant challenges affecting project implementation as works were currently behind schedule with 48 per cent completion achieved against the planned 55 per cent.

“The main challenges have been abnormal rainfall, bitumen shortages, and limited availability of 6.7mm aggregates from Belabela Quarry. These challenges have slowed construction activities and measures are being implemented to recover lost time, including increasing the contractor’s truck fleet and strengthening coordination with stakeholders to minimise further delays. We remain hopeful of seeing the road completed as envisaged” he said.

Mr Motsage reported that plans to monetise the 72-hectare council-owned recreational park in Magope had officially commenced and through the development planning department a draft rezoning plan had been prepared with the intention of integrating smart growth principles, mixed-use developments, vertical infrastructure and diverse transport systems including non-motorised mobility.

He said given the complexity and consultative nature of the project the final product was expected by August 2026 and that it was a strategic long-term investment spanning five to 30 years laying the foundation for sustainable economic returns for future generations. ENDS