23 Mar 2014

Some Member of Parliament have endorsed the motion calling for increament of village development committees (VDCs) and other committees’ allowances.

MP for Kanye North, Mr Kentse Rammidihas  requested government to increase the VDCs and ward development committees (WDC) allowances to the equivalent of the minimum amount paid to Ipelegeng supervisors per month.

Contributing to the debate, MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said VDCs were important to society and residents put trust in them, hence the need for an increment to help them perform their duties properly. He suggested that the money spent on nominated councillors could be channeled towards increasing the allowances.

MP for Ghanzi South, Mr Johnnie Swartz said the motion should not say the increment should be equivalent to that of Ipelegeng supervisors as they were two different things. He said VDCs sat twice in a month and could not be paid same amount as Ipelegeng supervisors who worked on a daily basis and urged the mover of the motion to rephrase it.

Kgatleng East legislator, Mr Isaac Mabiletsa said VDCs were overwhelmed and as MPs they should have the political will to increase their allowances.

MP for Moshupa, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the committees were central to development. He said VDCs were a leadership structure and could not be equaled to Ipelegeng supervisors. Tonota North MP, Mr Fidelis Molao said it was necessary to increase the allowances looking at the role played by the VDCs.

Shoshong legislator, Mr Phillip Makgalemele said the motion was too open ended but believed VDCs played a major role in the development of villages. Supporting the motion, MP for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile said VDCs role was clearly witnessed by everyone and called for the increment of their allowances.

Okavango MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone who also supported the motion said VDCs were an important structure and their allowances should be increased in order to encourage them to work harder.  ENDS