01 Jul 2024

Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Kgatleng continue to grapple with revenue collection, with some debts dating as far back as 2015, Kgatleng District Council Chairperson, Mr Daniel Molokwe has said.

Addressing a full council meeting recently, he said VDCs were owed a substantial amount of over P600 000 (P643 324.13)

Mr Molokwe said the outstanding payments significantly impacted implementation of  various development projects.

“I urge all Heads of Departments to assist in this matter by encouraging their officers to fulfil their monthly rental obligations as stipulated in their lease agreements,” said Mr Molokwe.

He said failure to collect debts was exacerbated by the fact that many individuals responsible were no longer traceable, adding that it was important to note that while some of those rental arrears were from public servants, a significant portion was also owed by community residents.

Mr Molokwe said the situation called for a more robust system of rent collection and tenant accountability.

He called on councillors to explore various strategies to address the issue i an effort to maximise the use of resources for community development.

On other issues, council learnt that , a total of 27 road paving projects were awarded, with 14 projects completed, 10 at 80 - 98 per cent paving stage, one declined, one being mobilised to site and one ongoing at 53 per cent under the Constituency Community Projects (CCP) for 2023/24.

Mr Molokwe said efforts were underway to address delays and non-performance issues, ensuring there was timely completion of  infrastructure developments.

He said council has ensured that funds allocated to the wards were fully utilised on these projects.

As for the CCP 2024/2025, he said, the invitation to tender had been sent for publication in the government gazette and would be closing on the July 3, 2024.

Regarding maintenance of streetlights, Mr Molokwe said the council had not done well and this was due to the fact that almost all of the electrical personnel were undergoing fulltime training on Centralised Traffic Control System in Gaborone since February this year.

He however said talks were in place with the ministry to stagger the course to reduce service disruptions.

Councillors  also learnt that funds have been secured for repayment of vehicles, dozers and graders and that fire service ambulance had been repaired and bids for the two fire engine and the rapid response land cruiser were under evaluation.

Mr Molokwe also informed councilors that there has been a significant progress in road maintenance.

He said following the delivery of premix in April this year, council had successfully addressed road surface issues in several key areas.

“Our teams have effectively patched potholes in Bokaa, Pilane, and along the Old A1 highway. Additionally, we made headway in improving most of the roads within Mochudi,” he said. ENDS