Africa-Press – Botswana. All stakeholders should be proactive in addressing community challenges, says Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Speaking after touring waterlogged areas in his constituency last week, he urged Southern District councillors and Estate Construction officials to work efficiency while delivering services to Kanye residents.
Dr Kwape was accompanied by the district council leadership, Estate Construction officials, area councillors and members of Village Development Committees from different wards.
The MP said members of the community were complaining about their wards being waterlogged and roads inaccessible because of construction work being done by Estate Construction.
He said Kanye residents were accustomed to waterlogging due to the topography of the village, but that cases had risen due to works done by Estate Construction.
He noted that the company was constructing a much needed sewage system for residents, but that they had blocked trenches which worsened flooding and waterlogging.
Dr Kwape also advised the construction company to focus on one area before moving to another, saying their personnel was working randomly all over the village.
He added that the sewage project has also changed the topography of the village and that those who were previously not affected by floods were now experiencing them.
“Our aim is to remedy the situation so that the community can appreciate efforts that are being done by Estate Construction,” he said.
He also appealed to the construction company to engage residents regularly on their plans and challenges.
Dr Kwape, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the sewage system upgrade would benefit all residents, including those given the responsibility to drive the project.
He also urged all involved to take responsibility and to account. He said his desire was to see the sewage works completed so that residents could utilise them.
For his part, Estate Construction project manager, Mr Steve Reeder said they were aware of cases of waterlogging in the village and that the main reason was the recent high rainfalls.
He said they were in the process of engaging with stakeholders to address challenges affecting the community.
He said their consultations with the community leadership was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our aim is to engage with the leadership every three month so that we can advise each other on matters affecting the community and to provide an update on progress made,” he said.
Mr Reeder also said although the project was behind schedule, it was expected to be completed by July 2023.
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