10 Mar 2014

Residents of Nxaraga have applauded government for building 12 houses for flood victims who were left homeless following the disaster that the district experienced during the past rainy season.

Residents commended government during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi saying government had demonstrated love, care and compassion to the beneficiary as now they had a place called home.

Kgosi Gaolathe Kgosigaenyatswe said the houses had made a meaningful difference in the lives of the beneficiaries and thanked government for being so passionate in dealing with issues of humanitarian assistance.

He said the houses would restore dignity to them as they had a proper shelter to live in. He said shelter was a fundamental right that each and every one should have for the purpose of privacy and a place to call home.

Last year, government allocated over P500 000 for construction of 115 houses for flood victims left homeless following the disaster experienced during the past rainy season.

A total of 93 houses were to be constructed in the jurisdiction of Maun Administrative Authority and the remaining 22 to be built in the Okavango Sub-district. On other issues, Kgosi Kgosigaenyatswe decried about the escalating stock theft cases in the village.

He said stock theft cases were rife in the area adding that thieves mostly steal cattle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys. He said even the poverty eradication beneficiaries were affected as their livestock was stolen.

Kgosi said it was unfortunate that most of the culprits were locals who had established kraals in the bush and collect people’s livestock. Thus, he called on government to assist his village with at least three police officers noting that livestock theft cases had devastating impact on the lives of the communities.

Though Village Development Committee chairperson, Ms Ditshaba Machae thanked government for the available programs in place geared towards improving the lives of the communities, she said there were challenges encountered such as shortage of water in the village.

She said they were supplied through bowsing but it was not adequate for the whole village. She requested government to construct a school in Nxaraga noting that children travel 15km to access education at Komana village.

“We have 124 pupils from our village and currently they are transported by a truck,” she added. Ms Machae also requested for the construction of a clinic noting that the population has grown. She said they were serviced through mobile clinic and at times spend some months without accessing health services.

She appealed to government to treat Nxaraga as other recognised villages adding that they lack behind in terms of development as compared to other villages. In his response, Assistant Minister, Mr Molebatsi assured thee residents that he would take up the issue with the relevant minister.

Regarding the construction of the school he noted that small children need parental care and agreed that a two class-roomed school could be the solution and assured them that he would discuss the issue with relevant ministry. He also urged VDC to think of making efforts to support government in the construction of the school. BOPA