06 Apr 2025

The waste water drainage system for Letlhakane has been included for consideration under the National Development Plan 12, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) General Manager Mr Kehano Malema explained during  Boteti District Council meeting recently. 

Mr Malema’s statement came in response to concerns raised by Mmatshumo Councillor, Mr  Gasethata Oagile who emphasised the urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure. He  expressed optimism that the project would progress to implementation in the near future.

Additionally, Mr Malema reported that a pipeline and water tank were erected in Xere but noted that current water production was not meeting the demand of the eight villages serviced in the area. He assured councillors that WUC would engage with village leadership to discuss solutions for the water supply issue in Xere.

Still at the meeting, issues regarding the inclusion of Xere in the Boteti Southern and Central villages’ cluster water project were discussed. Councillor Gasenna Tebogo of Xere raised concerns about the village’s status, while Councilor Modiitsi Gakelearabe of Kedia sought explanations for the continued supply of saline water despite the completion of the cluster project.

In response, Mr Malema confirmed that Kedia would be connected after the completion of well-field four, projected for November.Further discussions on community needs were raised by Councillor Catherine Bosele of Rakops, who requested that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks open a gate at Makgadikgadi National Park to aid local livelihoods. 

Senior Wildlife Warden, Mr Orbit Rantlole informed the council that the Matswere gate, located 45 kilometers from Rakops, was operational and accessible for community use. Additionally, a potential new gate site had been identified at Tsoi.

Concerns regarding the district’s financial health were voiced by Councillor Basiami Sentsho of Xhumo, who highlighted a financial deficit of P93 million, posing significant challenges for the Boteti district as the year progresses. He noted that the social welfare budget, typically around P17 million, has already been exceeded. Councilor Sentsho expressed particular distress over the low performance of local schools, stating, “Some of the schools leave a lot to be desired. Pupils are taught in environments that are not conducive for learning and teaching.” 

He suggested that government should consider reverting to former education systems to improve results. He also raised concern over effectiveness of Village Development Committees (VDCs) in enhancing economic performance, alleging that many members misused funds for personal gain. ENDS