28 Apr 2015

The abondoned road that used to link Lekgolobotlo with the South East District could provide a shorter access to goods and services from nearby villages such as Boatle and Ramotswa.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia said this in an interview after using the bushy road on a fact finding mission recently.

The 16 km road was constructed by the late Kgosi Bathoen II of Bangwaketse and was abandoned following the tarring of the 42km Lekgolobotlo-Otse road, which the residents said was rather far.

Mr Ralotsia said since the rehabilitation would involve money, he would consult with his counterpart, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Bangwaketse and Bamalete tribal authorities since the road straddled both districts.

He stated that Lekgolobotlo and surrounding areas were part of the greater Gaborone, therefore rehabilitating the road could benefit the residents. He reasoned that shortening a distance people travelled between any two places could also alleviate poverty.

Mr Ralotsia, also Minister of Agriculture, urged farmers to form syndicates or associations with a view to taking advantage of the available resources especially the unequipped boreholes in the area and feed the nation.

He said some farmers associations around the world were willing to extend a helping hand to any farmers working as a collective group. Area councillor, Mr John Taolo also reiterated that the road could substantially shorten the distance residents travelled especially to seek medical attention in Ramotswa or Gaborone.

Although Lekgolobotlo falls under the Southern District, he explained that the residents received most of the goods and services from Ramotswa than the former. Mr Motshegetsi Makwa, village development committee chairperson said the road could afford them a shorter access to the South East District (SED) and Gaborone.

Mr Makwa added that the road could also link the Ramotswa border with Namibia via Jwaneng and offer loaded trucks an alternative route away from the steep Polokwe hill. Ends