20 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works will compensate 100 individuals affected by the relocation for the development of Maun International Airport by September.

This announcement was made by Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, during a kgotla meeting at New Disana ward on Monday.

Mr Kekgonegile explained that the delays in the compensation process were primarily due to issues related to inheritance.

He stated that the names of the beneficiaries had been submitted and would be gazetted before being forwarded to the Maun High Court.

This step is necessary for officials to contact the concerned parties before any compensation can be released, he said.

The MP highlighted that some beneficiaries had not attended meetings, which contributed to the holdup, noting that some did not currently reside in Maun.

He assured residents that the Ministry had committed to locating all unpaid beneficiaries.

According to Mr Kekgonegile, 59 individuals are still awaiting compensation, while it was reported that 91 were initially believed to have been overpaid.

However, he clarified that this perception arose from the ministry using incorrect guidelines.

The MP urged all residents to attend scheduled meetings and submit the required documentation to expedite the compensation process. In related matters, Mr Kekgonegile conveyed a message from Minister of Finance, Honourable Ms Peggy Serame, indicating that the economic outlook seemed challenging, and there could be shortfalls in the delivery of some projects.

Residents were also informed of the ongoing threat of Monkeypox(Mpox), with Mr. Kekgonegile advising them to adhere to the precautionary measures recommended by health officials.

He warned that the disease has significantly impacted other countries, leading to the closure of schools and churches, describing it as a dangerous and infectious illness that causes a painful rash.

In response, residents expressed frustration with the long-awaited compensation process, suggesting that the ministry was not prioritising their concerns.

Some threatened to escalate the matter to the Office of the Vice President if further delays occurred. Mr Tshimologo Madondo urged ministry officials to hasten the compensation process, emphasising the prolonged wait they had already endured.

Additionally, the Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kehitlhang Mokgweetsi, queried when the long-promised Internet connectivity for their kgotla would be implemented.

He also advocated for the urgent construction of a new primary school and clinic to improve access to essential services for the community. ENDS