18 Sep 2024

In a final address during the concluding full council meeting of their five-year term, Tutume District Council chairperson,  Mr Million Masumbika has called upon registered voters in the Nata/Gweta and Nkange constituencies to exercise their democratic right by casting their votes in the upcoming general elections.

Mr Masumbika emphasised the importance of voter participation, noting that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had registered a total of 14 685 eligible voters in the Nata/Gweta constituency and 26 847 in Nkange.

He highlighted that these numbers signified a notable increase compared to the 2019 general elections, where Nata/Gweta recorded 11 903 registered voters with a voter turnout of 80 per cent, while Nkange had 19 094 registered voters and a turnout of 85 per cent, with 16 143 casting their votes.

“It is imperative for us as civic leaders to encourage our community to vote. It is their right to choose representatives that best serve their interests,” stated Mr Masumbika.

He added that Nata/Gweta has seen an increase of 2 782 registered voters, whereas Nkange experienced growth of 7 753.

This rise is noteworthy given Nkange’s recent expansion, which included the addition of the villages Marapong, Semitwe, Mafhungo/Hubona, Marobela, Sebina, and Nshakashogwe, reallocated from Shashe West.

Mr Masumbika highlighted the potential for a 100 per cent turnout at polling stations, stressing the need for heightened awareness of the importance of voting. He called on fellow councillors to actively disseminate messages regarding the significance of the elections.

The chairperson also reported on the council’s financial status for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, revealing an approved budget of approximately P185 million. To d

ate, only 41 per cent of this budget has been utilised, with expectations to reach 50 per cent by the end of the month.

Mr Masumbika also raised concerns about defaults on Self Help Housing Agency (SHHA) loans, stating that 246 beneficiaries have failed to service their loans, resulting in arrears exceeding P4 million. He emphasised the need for council action to encourage beneficiaries to repay their loans, as these funds are crucial for assisting others in need.

Additionally, the chairperson said that  under the Chema Chema fund, the district had registered 3 146 beneficiaries through the Masunga Local Enterprise Authority, with 2 462 approved as eligible for funding. To date, the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency has funded a total of 155 projects, amounting to over P1 million. Ends