Africa-Press – Botswana. In a bid to strengthen revenue generation and reduce reliance on government funding, Hukuntsi District Council has approved the formation of a council-owned investment company.
The decision was made during a special full council meeting, where council chairperson, Stephen Lekgobero shared that the initiative would enable the council to engage in business ventures aimed at generating sustainable income, complementing the Revenue Support Grant (RSG) from central government, which he described as insufficient to meet the council’s needs.
“The purpose of the proposed investment company is to reduce dependence on the RSG, which has proven unsustainable,” he said.
He revealed that three potential names for the company were Kgalagadi Investment Company, Metlhabeng Investment Group, and Kgalagadi North Investment Group.
“The proposed company’s board of directors will comprise the council chairperson, Secretary, chairperson of the Investment Committee, and the Council Attorney,” he said.
Mr Lekgobero said the company would explore partnerships, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), to generate revenue for the council. He highlighted several investment opportunities in Kgalagadi North, including providing accommodation for public servants, establishing a filling station to address the limited availability of fuel stations in the district, and developing solar plants to supply electricity to villages currently off the grid.
“This council-owned company will operate as an independent corporate entity with its own board and managers tasked with generating revenue for the council,” he said.
In addition to revenue initiatives, the council convened to constitute portfolio committees responsible for overseeing council functions and ensuring good governance under the Local Government Act. Mr Lekgobero indicated that the standing orders were amended to create 11 committees, from the previous seven, in an effort to enhance service delivery.
The newly formed committees include an expanded Audit and Risk Management Committee, a Human Resource Committee focused on staff morale, and separate committees for Education and Health to operate independently. The council’s move reflects a strategic approach to leveraging local resources, attracting investment, and enhancing operational efficiency to benefit the people of Kgalagadi North.
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