Tlokweng council unveils growth plans
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 12, 2026 06:00
Against this backdrop, Tlokweng District Council (TDC) says it has moved a step ahead, having already mapped out key strategies aimed at improving its financial position and accelerating local development. Speaking at the start of the year, TDC chairperson, Ontiretse Bogatsu, said the council has prioritised partnerships with the private sector as a central pillar of its recovery and growth agenda. According to Bogatsu, the partnerships will focus on the development of open spaces within the district, which she described as an untapped resource with significant revenue potential.
Currently, TDC is grappling with a financial deficit stemming from historical debts, a challenge compounded by its recent transition into a fully-fledged district council. However, Bogatsu expressed confidence that the new strategies, once implemented, would help turn the situation around.
“To date, we have identified 119 open spaces that can be developed to increase revenue for Tlokweng District Council,” she said. “Unlike other councils, our main source of income has largely been waste collection. Going forward, councils are expected to raise their own funds, and clearly, we cannot afford to rely on just one revenue stream,” she further said. In this regard, the chairperson explained that engaging the private sector would not only unlock investment but also ensure that council land and facilities are productively utilised.
She added that well-planned developments could generate lease income, create jobs for residents, and stimulate broader economic activity within the district.
Furthermore, Bogatsu revealed that the council is in the process of crafting a comprehensive Local Economic Development (LED) strategy tailored specifically for Tlokweng District. The strategy, she said, will serve as a roadmap for long-term economic sustainability and inclusive growth.
“This LED strategy will guide us on how best to grow our local economy and strengthen our financial base,” she noted. “Once the strategy is complete, we will officially unveil it and begin implementation.”
Beyond financial matters, the council is also turning its attention to infrastructure challenges that continue to affect residents, particularly during the rainy season. Bogatsu acknowledged that poor stormwater drainage remains a serious concern in several parts of the district.
Consequently, she said, the development of proper stormwater drainage systems has been prioritised. According to the chairperson, inadequate drainage has resulted in recurring flooding, leaving some households vulnerable whenever heavy rains fall.
“Stormwater drainage will help to address these challenges,” she said. “We are concerned that, during recent rains, some residents were forced to relocate temporarily to safer areas because their homes were affected by floods,” said Bogatsu. She added that addressing drainage issues would not only protect lives and property but also reduce long-term costs associated with disaster response and repairs.
Meanwhile, in the education sector, Bogatsu confirmed that plans are underway to build a new primary school at Mmaratanang ward. The development comes at a time when Tlokweng is experiencing population growth, placing pressure on existing educational facilities. “At the moment, Tlokweng has only four primary schools,” she said. “The new school at Mmaratanang will help ease congestion and improve access to education for our children.”
In addition to schools, the chairperson highlighted progress on social infrastructure, revealing that a long-awaited library for Tlokweng will be built with assistance from the Office of the President. Although construction has not yet commenced, she said the project remains firmly on the agenda.
“The library is an important development for our community,” Bogatsu said. “It will support learning, research, and youth development, and we are optimistic that work will begin soon.”
At the same time, the council is also planning to host an agricultural show, an event Bogatsu said would promote local farmers, showcase agricultural innovation, and encourage participation in the sector.
She noted that agriculture remains a key economic activity for many residents and deserves continued support. On administrative and leadership matters, Bogatsu announced that she intends to launch a chairperson’s fund during the year. The fund, she explained, will assist her in executing her duties more effectively as chairperson of the district council. “This fund will help facilitate my work and enable me to respond to certain needs as they arise,” she said.
Overall, Bogatsu painted a picture of a council determined to move beyond financial strain and infrastructure gaps through planning, partnerships, and strategic investment. While challenges remain, she stressed that the year ahead would be defined by action and accountability.
“As Tlokweng District Council, we are committed to building a financially stable and service-oriented district,” she said. “Our focus is on practical solutions that will improve the lives of our residents.”