Boteti District faces budgetary difficulties
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:00
Speaking during the recent Council meeting, he also said disparity between their expanding duties, responsibilities and the limited resources available continues to widen.
This deficit directly affects ‘our ability to implement key projects and meet the increasing expectations of their communities’, he added.
Monnaatsie also stated the deficit adds to the pressure in the ongoing expansion of the Council’s mandate, notably the recent integration of clinics and health facilities into our portfolio.
“While this move is welcome and in line with decentralisation efforts, it presents significant operational and logistical challenges, including increased budgetary demands and human resource requirements,” he added.
The chairperson also implored the Council leaders to maintain the assertiveness outlined by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)-led government.
Monnaatsie outlined one of the pillars of the government of the day, which focuses on adopting a new economic strategy that diversifies the economy and grows it sustainably above 10% per annum.
He pointed out that the district also faces critical shortage of plant and machinery required to service their villages, maintain roads, manage waste and respond effectively to emergencies.
Additionally, Monnaatsie said the shortage not only delays service delivery but also affects the quality and reliability of their work.
“We must urgently explore both internal and external partnerships to bridge this gap,” he added.
In response to their financial constraints, he called upon the Council to prioritise revenue maximisation strategies.
Monnaatsie stated that it is key that they review their existing revenue streams and explore new one ranging from service levies to innovative public-private partnerships.
He noted the need to also strengthen their revenue collection systems and plug leakages that contribute to their deficit.
He highlighted that it is time their position Boteti as a hub of local economic growth which is beyond their internal revenue.
The Boteti District council chairman was also aware that the journey for review of the Local Economic Development (LED) has commenced.
He, therefore, proposed that they develop a comprehensive LED strategy that should focus on supporting small and medium enterprises, particularly in tourism, agriculture and retail sectors.
Monnaatsie also explained that the strategy should also facilitates access to markets for local producers, creating an enabling environment for youth and women entrepreneurs and finally attract investment aligned to their district’s unique strengths.
Furthermore, he said the strategy will not only reduce ‘our over-reliance on central government funding’ but also create employment opportunities and foster self-sufficiency within their communities.
He stated that despite their resource challenges, they must continue to uphold people-centred governance.
“Our policies and decisions must reflect the needs and aspirations of our people especially those in underserved and remote areas,” he said.
He added that they must also enhance community participation in project planning and delivery and ensure that development is inclusive and equitable.
Monnaatsie also urged the leaders to continue improving administrative efficiency.
He indicated that they must build a culture of performance and accountability.
He further said that the expansion of their organisational structure must be matched with capacity-building programs, digital transformation, and a results-based approach to service delivery.
Monnaatsie told relevant stakeholders that their path ahead is filled with obstacles, but he believed that it is also filled with opportunities.
“If we work together with focus, innovation and unity we can overcome our constraints and realise the full potential of Boteti,” she said.
Earlier this year, Monnnatsie said the Council is sitting on an accumulated deficit amounting to over P93 million, the debts and overdrafts, which were inherited from the then Central District Council. He stated that the situation has compromised service delivery as often times suppliers received late payments due to insufficient funds.
Meanwhile, when addressing the Serowe District Council, chairperson Atamelang Thaga said the they are facing worsening financial crisis marked by depleting reserves and persistent deficits, with no signs of improvement.
Thaga indicated the 2023/2024 Abstract of Accounts highlighted a significant general fund deficit of P45 439 173.82, reflecting a trend of increasing financial instability since the 2019/2020 financial year.
He stated that the positive balances from the former Central District Council helped offset deficits, however, this was no longer sufficient, indicating that current budget allocations were inadequate, especially in the face of continued budget cuts.
The chairperson said this financial strain had resulted in cash flow problems that were now affecting the council’s ability to deliver.