Infrastructure development key to growth

Mmegi Editor | Friday October 14, 2016 16:22

Mogoditshane falls under Kweneng District and just a few minutes drive from the capital city. One would expect that the government would give priority to providing developments in the villages in proximity to the city to reduce congestion or to relief the city.  Another important aspect of infrastructure developments is employment. There are many locations in the city, and neighbouring villages that do no have the necessary infrastructure, yet the residents of these villages provide accommodation for the economically productive sector of the economy, being the youth. Thousands of youth commute from neighbouring villages of Gabane, Metsimotlhabe, Kumakwane, Ramotswa, Otse, Mochudi, Molepolole, Thamaga, Moshupa and as far as Kanye to work in the city. They leave home early in the morning and arrive late at night and need reliable local transport such as taxis and combis. However, because of poor infrastructure in many of these villages, taxis operate until 7pm and their main complaint is bad roads.

In addition to that, many of these villages do not have sewerage system yet their populations grow everyday. Kweneng District Council is one of the biggest local authorities with many challenges, but it is also one of those that return huge chunks of revenue to the government at the end of every financial year after failing to spend the money.

We believe that the aforementioned villages are an alternative for the city, especially for provision of accommodation to youth who are in their initial stages of employment, who cannot afford expensive accommodation in the city, and therefore should be provided with developments.

MP Kgoroba is not out of his mind to consider taking to the streets if that is the only way that will wake up officials at Kweneng District Council who seem to be more comfortable in their air-conditioned offices than delivering to the people. Time has come for people to demand good service from civil servants who seem to disregard the plight of the people whom they are supposed to serve. We have had many reports where civil servants had acted in a manner equivalent to snubbing the very people they are supposed to serve. One incident was in Tonota where council proceeding had to be postponed to a later date because of malfunctioning water closets that have long been reported to the relevant officers. It is our believe that people must demand services to which they are entitled, including better roads, sewerage systems, and waste collection among others.

Today’s thought

“Always remember that everyone with whom you have a relationship has an invisible sign on their forehead that says ‘Make Me Feel Important’. Treat them accordingly.”

 

-Eric Philip Cowell