15 Aug 2024

In light of the government’s declaration of 2024/25 as a drought year, the North East District Council (NEDC) has been allocated funds totaling P908 333 for essential projects aimed at addressing pressing community needs.

Speaking during a  special full council meeting recently, NEDC’s Chief Finance and Development Officer, Ms Bazwadzi Gaotingwe, unveiled proposals for the allocation of these funds.

The council plans to invest P700 000 in the maintenance of teachers’ housing in Senyawe and a separate initiative to establish a halfway home at the cost of P208 333. Ms Gaotingwe stressed that the proposal for a halfway home was driven by a concerning rise in human trafficking cases involving toddlers and minors within the district.

“This facility would not only reduce costs associated with hotel accommodations for victims but also alleviate transportation expenses for shuttling minors between Moshupa Boys Prison and the courts,” she explained.

The proposed halfway home is expected to be located in the Masunga Cluster A, adjacent to the Masunga Police Station, and will be maintained and upgraded to meet the necessary standards.

Addressing the issue of teachers’ housing, Ms Gaotingwe noted that the maintenance of five teachers’ residences was already prioritised by the NEDC. Originally, there was a proposal to utilise general funds for this maintenance; however, budget constraints hindered those plans.

“Procurement for the houses has already reached the elevation stage, costing approximately P698 000,” she added.

NEDC Principal Physical Planner, Mr Tebogo Moreetsi, reported that the terms of four members of the Physical Committee expired on June 9 of this year.

In response, an expression of interest was issued in February 2024, inviting community representatives to join the committee, as mandated by the Town and Country Planning Act of 2013.

According to Mr Moreetsi, Section 5 (1) of the Act specifies that “every council shall appoint a planning area,” and results in the formation of a physical committee to address related matters. He emphasised that, as per Schedule 1 of the Act, the Physical Planning Committee must consist of at least eight members appointed by the Authority, including two councillors.

“The remaining members will represent a variety of planning, development, or environmental interests as determined by the authority,” Mr Moreetsi concluded. ENDS