P1m gift riles GCC
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday September 20, 2016 17:19
The award was not received with open hands from city councillors who demanded to know why residents of Gaborone were not consulted on this matter including ward development committees (WDC).
The councillors told the district commissioner that they do not understand why the committee that is running the preparations is cagey with information regarding the preparations.
“We are left with a few days to celebrate independence, but the shocking part is that we as councillors are not informed about it. Even our ward development committees are asking us questions regarding the celebrations,” said Phakalane ward councillor Mmapula Amos.
Amos said at Gaborone North, WDC were informed on September 14 at the area MP office.
She continued; “In that meeting, members of WDC were not happy that they are being forced to take part on independence celebrations last minute. This is very surprising and I suspect some people might be intending to misuse the funds but we will need fully accountability of the money after the celebration.
The other issue is the torch roving which will arrive soon in Gaborone and still we are not updated on it as councillors”.
Notwane councillor, Marks Bobi wanted to know the extent of consultation that the office has done.
Majority of councillors shared the same sentiments and threatened that they wont be part of that celebration since their people had been sidelined and DC had failed to consult them as councillors. In response, the DC Grace Seitshiro apologised for not informing councillors.
“Its surprising that some members of WDC are denying that we consulted them when in fact they are part of the preparation committee. Gaborone District had been given P1 million for celebration, WDC have its money from council to celebrate on the 30th and there is the biggest celebration prepared by BOT50 at stadium,” Seitshiro said.
She said they received budget for roving torch last Friday, which is P200,000. Gaborone district has been celebrating independence celebration three times every year.