No monthly allowances for VDCs - Gaborone

ZOLANI KRAAI
Correspondent | Friday June 28, 2013 00:00

'Currently VDCs as well as WDCs are paid a monthly sitting allowance of P190 for VDC and WDC chairpersons while their respective members get P160 each,' Gaborone said yesterday responding to a question during the ongoing Ntlo Ya Dikgosi sitting. He further revealed that umbrella VDCs and Ward Development Committee chairpersons get P210 while members get P180.  He stated that the allowances were last reviewed in October 2012 as per the Department of Public Service Management (DPSM) Directive no.12 of 2012.

'My ministry therefore considers the monthly sitting allowance appropriate compared to a monthly allowance as this will ensure that VDCs and WDCs adhere to the monthly scheduled meetings,' he said.He admitted that there are other voluntary development committees such as the Parents Teachers Associations that also deserve the courtesy of such allowances.  Earlier on, Kgosi Kgomotso Boiditswe moved that Ntlo Ya Dikgosi requests government to provide a monthly allowance of P600 to VDC members. He argued that VDC members are always engaged in critical village developments, citing Ipelegeng projects.  He contended that VDCs should be catered for in Ipelegeng monthly allowances as they form part of the indirect implementers of the programme in their supervisory role.

Supporting the motion, Kgosi Mbao Kahiko III of Gantsi West region mentioned that Ipelegeng should cater for VDCs since they also indirectly oversee the projects, ensuring that recruitment and implementation are smooth. 'Without VDCs, there is going to be lack of coordination and poor implementation of village development projects, and the time is now for government to consider monthly allowances for VDCs,' emphasised Kahiko.

Kgosi Alfred Monnaathebe of Thamaga region also supported the motion arguing that even local authorities and other village development partners rely on feedback from VDCs on the implementation of projects.Kgosi Kea Lempadi of Chobe revealed that a treasurer of a village VDC can be called to account for P175, 000, evidential proof that VDCs' responsibilities warrant a monthly allowance.