01 Aug 2024

Letlhakeng District Councilis grappling with a recurrent budget deficit of P33 million which accumulated over the years and is hugely impacting on the council operations.

This was revealed by Letlhakeng District Council secretary, Mr Tsholofelo Molaodi during a special council session aimed at responding to questions raised from the previous council meeting.

Due budgetary constraints, Mr Molaodi said the council was struggling to fulfil operations.

He explained that management and maintenance plan of the internal roads was hugely affected and that there there was a backlog from last year.

Mr Molaodi however, told the council that funds had been secured, to maintain council grader and backhoe loader hence  he was hopeful that maintenance of the roads would be done soon.

He regretted that almost all vulcan pots across primary schools in the district needed repairs or replacement, making preparation of food for pupils a cumbersome exercise.

Amid the budget crisis, Mr Molaodi pledged that the council would do all in its powers to implement the council procurement plan.

Responding to the councilors’ call to review National Policy on Destitute Persons of 2002, Letlhakeng Deputy Council Secretary-Operations, Ms Delic Sehunwe said plans to review the policy were underway and Ministry of Local government and Rural Development would lead the way.

Motokwe village councilor, Mr Malaki Maphale and Salajwe  councilor, Mr Lopang Sebutlenyane had earlier, called for review of the National Policy on Destitute Persons, in order to address the contemporary challenges.

“National Policy on Destitute persons review has long been overdue, the policy should benefit those who are in need,” Mr Sebutlenyane stated.

Meanwhile, Letlhakeng District Council chairperson, Mr Anderson Mathibe called upon fellow councilors not to abandon their responsibilities because some lost primary elections at their respective parties.

“We are duty bound to serve the community until our term elapses and we should know that we serve the nation not our own political parties,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Mathibe said community members should be cooperative and respectful to enable leaders to execute their duties.

He appealed to Batswana to continue embracing Mindset Change agenda, to shape and secure the country’ future. ENDS