27 Jun 2013

Central District Councillors were on each other’s throats on June 24 concerning the issue of what Dikabea farm should be used for.

The row broke out after specially nominated Councillor for Palapye Mr Dithapelo Tshotego presented a motion calling on the council to request the Ministry of Agriculture to consider re-allocating under-utilised plots at NAMPAAD (Dikabea) to youth commercial farmers.

He said the farm in question has electricity, running water and fenced but was not utilised to its full potential.

Councillor Tshotego pointed out that even though some people were allocated the land on contract basis and were paying rent annually, they have since abandoned the idea of farming and now renting them out, something he said was against the agreement.

He further said even though the farm was meant for piloting projects, especially for the youth it was now being used by experienced farmers.

Responding to the motion, councillor Onnetse Ramogapi said the motion should be withdrawn since the contract stated that those who were not utilising land it would be repossessed and be allocated to people who are serious with farming hence the presence of serious farmers at Dikabea.

Others said it should not be for the youth only because originally the land was meant for every Motswana who might be interested in farming.

Councillor Kgethenyane Kgethenyane said it was disappointing to see councilors misinformed about issues that affect their electorates.

 He pointed out that Dikabea was never meant for rent but rather to give people the technical-no how on farming before graduating from the farm premises to continue farming at their fields.

He challenged his counterparts to always research and inform themselves because the public was expecting them to have answers to such issues.

Councillor Tshotego who tried in vain to defend his motion saying though the farm was meant for piloting, it was no longer serving the purpose as some people are now renting the land to some desperate farmers.The motion was defeated through a secret vote.ENDS