New projects to boost Lobatse � Mayor

Tumelo Mouwane | Monday August 24, 2015 16:11

In an interview with Monitor Business, Kruger said Milk Afric project has since kick started on a positive note as it has already sent 15 students to the United States of America (USA) for intensive study ahead of the launch of operations in six months’ time.

“It will finance each student with funds amounting to more than P300,000 to learn operations. We vow that in six months’ time, we will have had the first sip of milk from the project,” Kruger said.

Milk Afric is a 20,000 litres-per-day dairy project that is expected to plug the country’s milk deficit gap.

The project is worth P120 million and is expected to create 250 jobs in the next two-and-half years.

Kruger further said the project, in which Lobatse Town council will own a10 stake, is expected to house over 2,000 milk cattle.

The Mayor said the project has however been delayed by technicalities. “It is a massive project where a lot needs to be done so that any delays does not come as surprise. The project has been delayed by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is done by the relevant ministry,” Kruger said.

Commenting on the Leather Park, Kruger said parliament and cabinet have endorsed the project. She further said 28,000 hectares of land has been solely allocated for the project. “ It has also been delayed by the EIA, (Environmental Impact Analysis). We expect something to have been done in 2016/2017 financial year,” Kruger said.

 The Leather Park is expected to create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.Despite Town Mayor’s assurance on the completion of both projects, some Lobatse residents doubt the credibility of both projects.

In an interview, a Lobatse resident, Maleswe Mogotsi said even if the projects kick start, they are not sure if they will get employment. “We don’t even trust if Milk Afric will give us and our children employment opportunities. We also heard that the Leather Park has been transferred to Phikwe. We have been waiting for so long and we are not far from losing hope,” Mogotsi said.

However, Kruger rubbished the claims,  unapologetically criticising some Lobatse residents for being too negative.