19 Jan 2015

The deputy district commissioner for Mabutsane, Mr Charles Modise, has told residents of Thankane in the Jwaneng-Mabutsane constituency that construction of the Jwaneng/Maokane road was on the next financial plan.

He was responding to residents’ concern about the road which linked several villages to the mining town during a kgotla meeting addressed by the area Member of Parliament Mr Shawn Ntlhaile recently.

He said the road had been deferred several times due to financial constraints, but would be considered alongside other projects in the 2015/2016 financial year plan.
Mr Modise said if funded, the road was likely to benefit other nearby villages such as Thankane because of the government’s 10km radius access policy.

He also noted that due to challenges experienced in the past, government had adopted a stance that the same construction company engaged to design the road should also be engaged to construct and maintain the said road.

He said this will address disparities caused by different contractors engaged in one project. On the issue of expansion of the village, Mr Modise explained that the area which the residents earmarked to be considered for allocation was already allocated as feedlots.

He said consequently, the issue was referred back to the main land board to establish if they could negotiate with owners for relocation and compensation. Furthermore, he expressed concern that some families did not report the death of destitute services beneficiaries to the relevant authorities.

He said such people continue to claim the destitute cash allowance intended for the deceased.  He urged all beneficiaries, including old age pensioners to update their details on regular basis to avoid such situations. ENDS