28 Aug 2026

Lobatse Town Council faces a high volume of outstanding receivables, which severely restricts the council’s operating capital and capacity to maintain vital local infrastructure. 

  This was said by Lobatse Town Council Mayor, Mr Aron Ganakgomo in his address of the full council session on Monday.

He said the highlights of the books of accounts was an overwhelming reality, with outstanding debt of recorded debtors standing at approximately P65.94 million at the end of financial year.

“It is worth noting that, paying of council debt is a critical civic responsibility that directly impacts public service delivery,” he stated and implored the councilors and the public at large to exercise their civic duty to settle debts, particularly rates, interests, lease rentals, and sanitation service charges.

He said in the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year, cumulative expenditure amounted to P52.31 million, against the targeted P56.24 million, representing 93 percent of the target. 

Furthermore, he said cumulative income stood at approximately P53.52 million, resulting in a positive year-to date balance of approximately P1.22 million. 

However, the mayor said internal revenue generation continued to lag and that it served as a clarion call demanding immediate, robust collection strategies.

On a positive note, he said the council had successfully prepared and submitted its Annual Final Accounts within the statutory deadline of 30th June 2026, a milestone he said demonstrated continued commitment to sound financial governance, strict accountability, and total compliance with statutory reporting requirements. 

Updating on the Ministry of Local government and Traditional Affairs, the chairperson said it is the second tier of government and a key driver of rural development, traditional leadership, and service delivery in local governments. 

He said in pursuit of a paradigm shift from the status quo, the ministry with the support of UNDP has completed the 2026/2030 four-year strategy and transformational plan, which is aligned with the national direction and sets the tone, direction and priorities that the ministry sought in pursuit of agile, migh-performing ministry.   

He stated that the strategic plan articulated the strategic change agenda from the current to the Country’s True North, the reason that the mayors, chairpersons and council administrative headship gathered in Palapye the week ending 14th August 2026 to validate this strategy and pave way for its implementation phase, earmarked for September 2026. ENDS