Kgatleng council dumps burial by-laws

Tefo Pheage | Tuesday September 27, 2016 17:30

Morolong was addressing his councillors during a full council yesterday.

“As you are aware, I carried out consultations with bogosi on the issue regarding cemetery by-laws. However, it was evident from the very first meeting I addressed at the Mochudi main kgotla that it would be a fruitless exercise. I cancelled all the subsequent meetings hence. I therefore, would like you to resolve this matter,” he said.

Councillors however implored the chairperson not to despair and consult further to which the chairperson disagreed.

In an interview with Mmegi, Morolong said he will not be going ahead with the process. “It is true that I have decided to abort the process. I met with dikgosana and all Village Development Committees over this issue and most have disapproved of the implementation of the by-laws”.

According to him, Bakgatla leaders have spoken and their voice should be respected despite what the council believes. Updating the council about the relocation of the Deborah Retief Hospital, Morolong said the design briefs for the construction of a new hospital have been completed.

“Arrangements are underway to engage consultants for the design. The new hospital will have a capacity of 250 beds. The design brief has since been submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology for finalisation,” he said.

On the district commercial affairs, the KDC chairperson expressed concerns about liquor trading business, which he said are rampantly breaking the law.

“Trade Licensing Committee and the Liquor Control Authority continue to license new businesses within our district. I have however, recently been disturbed by the increasing number of violations of statutes by some establishment,” he said.

According to him, the Licensing Committee and Liquor Control Authority has since suspended licences for six businesses due to non-compliance of statutes and a further nine were warned for failing to conduct their business in accordance with the requirements of the licences they hold.

Of the suspended businesses, five are operating as liquor stores and one as a fresh produce. The fresh produce business, he continued, has since re-opened after the premises satisfied the health requirements.

“All the five liquor outlets, have since appealed the suspensions and one won their appeal case, the other one had the suspension reduced from six months to three months and the remaining three lost their cases and are still serving their suspensions,” he said.

He continued: “It is clear that we have a serious problem in our hands that needs all law enforcement agencies to work together as these very bars are a haven for criminals and other social ills besieging our communities”.