Khama hears a litany of complaints

DIRANG LEKUNTWANE
Correspondent | Friday November 12, 2010 00:00

Khama said this yesterday at a Kgotla meeting here.  Welcoming the President, Xhosa 1 Headman Kgosi Ponoyame Kefilwe, said they are concerned about illegal mining of river sand in the village's main river because it poses a threat to the environment, especially livestock.  He said crime is escalating in the village and that Xhosa 1 is of particular concern, although the police are doing everything they can to fight it, especially through their recently introduced helicopter patrols.

In his response to Kgosi Kefilwe's concerns regarding illegal harvesting of river sand, the Minister of Minerals, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, said harvesters should consult with community leaders, including the Kgosi, the police, the land board and the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism before his ministry can provide them with permits to harvest the river sand.

Minister Kedikilwe said illegal harvesting of riversand is a countrywide problem that often works like a double edged sword. People need the sand to build houses to live in while the environment needs to be conserved. Kedikilwe revealed that the government is considering engaging green scorpions and the residents at large in controlling the situation.

Regarding crime, the Officer Commanding - Serowe, Boikhutso Dintwa, said the newly built police station in the village is nearing completion to be in use early next year. The police station, he said, will house 68 police officers and has 104 offices. The number of police officers operating in the village will be increased.

'Mahalapye will have two police stations, as the current one will be renovated to continue serving the community,' he said. Cluster policing is bringing in positive results, Dintwa said.

With this in mind, the residents of Mahalapye who braved the afternoon heat did not waste time as they immediately waged war against certain local officials whom they blame for lack of commitment in assisting them. First to launch the attack was old MmaGaleage Butana, who accused Habitat of elongating their house payments. She said the organisation, overcharges them for cement.

A Habitat representative said the accusations were unsubstantiated and that their charges follow signed contracts. 'Before we signed contracts with them, we held meetings to explain the terms of payment, the representative said. 'First, it was agreed on the basis of cement, but this later changed to cash payment.'

The Habitat official said since the implementation of the organisation's scheme, they have built 182 houses but only 17 houses have been fully paid for. But the Member of Parliament, Botlhogile Tshireletso, quickly responded to denounce the Habitat official.

A resident, businessman Buti Vos of Tsholetsa Butchery accused council authorities of favouritism and nepotism. 'Some people run businesses in Mahalapye without licences, but when I questioned the authorities, they told me to mind my own business,' he charged. Whereupon President Khama wanted the identity of the officer who uttered these words. The Assistant Council Secretary, Motswete, explained that they are aware of Vos' concerns and are currently looking into them. But, he said, he is not aware of the 'mind your own business' issue.

Another resident, Channel Massie, accused a certain social worker of negligence. 'At one stage, I came for assistance and the social worker left me in the office saying his time was up,' she alleged. This caught the officer off guard as he stammered a response. 'We are doing our best to help people,' the officer said.

Other residents raised issues of lack of employment, saying foreigners, especially of Zimbabwean origin, are favoured over them for jobs. They also complained of the continuous shortage of water in the village, especially since Water Utilities Corporation took over from Water Affairs.

Minister Kedikilwe, who was part of the entourage, said they are aware of the water situation in Mahalapye, which is often caused by the electricity power cuts and that responsible authorities are in the process of finding a remedy. Also of concern to villagers, especially in Boseja Ward, was the provision of medical services caused by the closure of the old hospital. Khama was accompanied by Botlhogile Tshireletso (MP for Mahalapye East), Kitso Mokaila (Minister of Wildlife and Tourism), Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Frank Ramsden (Minister of Roads and Transport) and government top ranking officials.

President Khama is also expected to visit the villages of Shakwe and Palla Road.