23 Mar 2014

Residents of Lesoma have been advised to use the five D’s introduced by the President in 2008 as a constant focal point in the district’s service delivery.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting recently, Chobe District commissioner, Dr Temba Mmusi highlighted areas he felt were drowning the region’s full potential and said that this could only be changed if all stakeholders embraced the five D’s. He emphasised the government’s support for people living with disabilities.

Residents seized the opportunity to voice various concerns especially concerning people living with disabilities. One resident, Ms Tshepiso Ketlogetswe complained that her husband’s hearing condition prevented him to sit through such meetings as he was unable to interpret what people were saying.

Ms Ketlogetswe pleaded with the district commissioner to avail sign language interpreters for such gatherings. Dr Mmusi also said the poverty eradication programmes were not only for the able bodied, but also for those with disabilities, adding that people living with disabilities should also attend kgotla meetings.

Lesoma’s court bailiff, Mr John Mateu, who is also living with disability, advised the government to cater for their needs by constructing a ramp in buildings such as clinics and kgotla for easy access.

“It would be much easier for us if pavements for wheelchairs and handle bars for support could be added to these buildings for easy access,” he noted.

Chobe region’s education director, Mr Sonny Mooketsi said he was impressed with the Primary School Leaving Examination results for the village, which he said had never gone below position three. The director said in order to maintain the results the ministry would award top achievers and teachers.

However, he expressed disappointment to hear from the school head, Ms Constance Mokoti that parent’s involvement was not satisfactory. ENDS