23/08/2022
ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF CHOBE DISTRICT
HONOURABLE CHIMNEY MULULWANI
AT THE FULL COUNCIL SESSION OF THE
22ND – 25TH AUGUST 2022
Venue: Chobe District Council Chamber
SALUTATIONS
Honourable Member of Parliament;
Vice Council Chairperson;
Baemedi ba Ntlo ya Dikgosi;
Honourable Councillors;
District Commissioner;
Council Secretary;
Land Board Chairman;
Land Board Secretary;
Tribal Administrator;
Deputy Council Secretaries;
Ministers’ Fraternal;
Eminent Guests;
All Heads of Department;
All Heads of Parastatals and NGOs;
Members of the Media here present;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Ke a le dumedisa ka P**a!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Introduction
1. It is with great honour and pleasure to welcome you all to this third Council session of the calendar year 2022, which is also my first session to address you as the Council Chairperson. I would like to once again thank you Honourable Councillors for your vote of confidence in me and my Deputy as you democratically elected us to lead Chobe District Council for the remaining period up to the next general elections in 2024.
2. Honourable Councillors, may I also take this occasion to congratulate you on your different Committee designations. I am sure that in the spirit of viewing ourselves as advocates of ordinary people and also of willing cooperation, we will reach our fundamental goal.
3. Ladies and gentlemen, this last quarter was not as busy as the other quarters in the past. Nonetheless we hosted very important high level events and conferences and as such we continue to be very grateful to be chosen to host since these conferences and events have the potential to revive the economy of the district that has suffered due to Covid-19. Such events in the district include;
a) World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (on the 30th July 2022)
The Ministry of Justice selected Kasane/Kazungula as the ideal location for the Commemoration of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons under the them: ‘‘Exposing abuse and exploitation through Community awareness on Human trafficking.’’
We are aware that the Kazungula Bridge Boarder Post receives high volumes of traffic from many regions in Africa, therefore this mix-migratory flows lends itself to crafty criminal predators who commit acts of cross boarder human trafficking and or smuggling of persons. We appreciate that our district hosted this event since our communities need to be made aware of this for their safety.
b) Consultation by the Delimitation Commission
Honourable Councillors, Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you have been following various media on the Delimitation Commission. Let me indicate to you that the team visited us on the 20th and 21st June 2022, covering only 2 villages of Kachikau and Kasane in that order. We as individuals can still make submissions, either by email or writing to the Commission team.
c) Batho Fashion Week (on the 29th-30th July 2022)
This event was organized by a private company Dave and Gray Group which made a presentation in the last Full Council meeting. The event was also hosted at the Kazungula Bridge and made use of the now parked Pantoon/Ferry. The target audience for the event were the Tourists whereas the participants in the fashion show were local fashion designers and models, with a few of the designers from Southern Africa. I am appreciative of the fact that the leadership of this district supported the event which even the Minister of Justice and MP Chobe Constituency; Hon Machana Ronald Shamukuni embraced.
d) Chobe Agricultural Show
This event hosted by the Pandamatenga commercial farmers in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture was held on the 5th August 2022 in Pandamatenga. Two Ministers embraced the event being the Minister of Agriculture Hon Fedelis Molao and Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry Hon Beauty Manake. I take this time once more to appreciate the work well done in organizing and actualizing this event by the Farmers and District Agricultural Coordinator for the work well done.
4. Honourable House, allow me to now give you an update on the status of our district developments:
A. ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Entrepreneurship Development and Capacitation
5. Honourable Councillors on the 25th - 26th of July 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Informal Sector Recovery Plan (ISRP) capacitated different informal traders on Financial Literacy and Basic Business Management Skills. Again, on the 15th and 16th of August 2022 in Kasane, 21 informal economy participants in the Horticulture sector were trained on record keeping, presentation and grading of produce, good agricultural practices for horticulture production, irrigation and adherence to standards by this Council in partnership with UNDP and Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA). I want to applaud the two organisations for their continued support in our efforts towards strengthening resilience in the informal economy through capacity development and promotion of Local Economic Development. These endeavours will certainly increase economic activity, ensure sustainability of businesses within our district and subsequently increase the employment as well as diversify the local economy.
6. In a related matter Honourable Councillors, the Local Enterprise Authority through their Entrepreneurship Development Training programme, capacitated 37 people comprising of both operational and aspiring entrepreneurs on business skills and how to become successful entrepreneurs. Customer Service trainings for 13 SMMEs in the hospitality industry were also conducted.
Land Allocations (Residential and Commercial Plots)
7. You will recall Honourable Councillors that our government has promised Batswana One hundred thousand (100,000) residential plots in this financial year. The Land Boards and Councils were consequently assigned to ensure that this promise comes to fruition. Chobe Land Board must allocate 5269 residential plots towards the achievement of the overall figure. Concerning this our Council prepared village layouts across the district, latest being the Kazungula Flowertown extension through the assistance of the Kasane-Kazungula Redevelopment Agency. The layout comprises of 10 open spaces, 1 193 residential, 10 multi-family, 4 commercial plots, and 4 civic and community plots. At present, Honourable Councillors, 4520 residential plots are ready for allocation. The remaining 749 residential plots will be sourced from identified infill areas across the district.
8. Since April 2022 Chobe Land Board allocated 193 plots out of a total of 212 at Mabele. Plans are underway to allocate the remaining Mabele plots together with 266 at Pandamatenga during this month of August 2022; Satau 802 residential plots in September 2022; Kachikau 1236 residential plots in October 2022; Kavimba 811 residential plots in November 2022; Kazungula Flowertown Extension the 1193 residential plots in December 2022. The above plots account for the 4520 residential plots that must be allocated this year.
9. As you are aware Honourable Councillors in February 2022 Chobe Land Board advertised 126 commercial plots which attracted 1247 bidders. Tender evaluation is still ongoing at advanced stage and 72 bidders have been provisionally allocated some of these commercial plots. Once complete permanent allocations will be done. I wish to also point out that during evaluation, 54 plots remained owing to not having applicants at all and failure to meet the allocation threshold by those that showed interest on them. They will be re-advertised for tender.
Allocation of Mahabapi Small Scale Farms – Pandamatenga
10. Honourable Councillors, Mahabapi Small Scale Farms allocation is set for determination on the 15th September 2022 following postponement from the 18th May 2022. The Court had asked to be furnished with Pandamatenga Agricultural Infrastructure Development Project Agreement between Government of Botswana as represented by Ministry of Agriculture and African Development Bank. I am advised the document has since been presented to Court to assist in the resolution of the matter.
Land Registration for Secure Land Title (SLT)
11. As of the 6th August 2022, Registration for Secure Land Title stood at 3571 translating to approximately 21% of prospective registrations of land allocated. I am advised the numbers are steadily rising as many lot holders are heeding the call to register before October 2022 deadline.
Construction of New Primary School at Kazungula
12. Honourable Councillors, we have previously heard that Construction of the New Primary School at Kazungula was ongoing with some construction team members still facing a challenge of acquiring work permits. I am pleased to inform you that all Chinese personnel on site are now compliant thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Chobe district leadership. The works remain on target and the project is anticipated to be completed by the beginning of 2024.
Design and Build of a Football Turf and Running Track for The Kasane Mini Stadium
13. Honorable councilors, it is with great pleasure to inform you that tender for the Construction of Kasane Mini-stadium Football turf and running track has been awarded. The contract being a design and build project requires that approval of the contractor’s design precede commencement of construction. I have been informed that discussions are ongoing between the Council’s experts and the contractor so as to facilitate such design approval. While construction itself is expected to commence in November 2022, it will be carried out over a 6 months’ period until May 2023.
Agriculture
14. The 2021/22 cropping season is mid-way through as most of the farmers are currently harvesting and marketing their produce. Production for irrigated crops is also on going and an estimated area of 104ha has been planted. Once again horticulture farmers are encouraged to utilize the Horticulture Impact Accelerator Subsidy (IAS) fund currently administered by National Development Bank. This Programme is aimed to assist horticulture farmers to improve their production efficiency through acquisition of necessary inputs and equipment.
15. Honourable Councillors, vaccination of cattle for Foot and Mouth Disease has been carried out during the months of June-July 2022 with coverage of 15 328 (97.7%) cattle. My office has been informed that in March this year, cattle in Chobe East were also vaccinated for anthrax (kwatsi). and Quarter Evil (serotswana). The rest of the district is scheduled for October/November. Some signs of other cattle diseases like Senkobo and Lumpy skin in the district have also been noted, and in view of this farmers are advised to always be observant in addition to purchasing medication and vaccines from veterinary medicine suppliers.
B. SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT
Self-Help Housing Agency (SHHA)
16. Honourable Councillors, construction of the 5 funded Turnkey projects during this financial year 2022/23 is progressing well with 1 house already complete and handed to the beneficiary, while the other 4 are at various stages of implementation. Furthermore, 4 spill-overs from 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 financial years, have also been completed and handed to beneficiaries for occupation.
17. Ladies and gentlemen, non-payment of the Service Levy and SHHA loans continue to be a big challenge to our Council. As at the end of July 2022 Service levy arrears stood at Two hundred and twenty-nine thousand, nine hundred p**a and ten thebe (P229,900.10) while arrears for SHHA loans stood at P18,9 million. So far efforts to get defaulters to settle their outstanding balances has brought very little results. There is need therefore for all of us to do more and engage our people to honour their obligations. I am informed that relevant departments have at the beginning of this month engaged officers to carryout house-to-house campaigns to urge people to settle their arrears. Honorable Councilors may I request you to help in spreading the message to the masses that they must come forth to pay their dues as their contributions will assist in improved delivery of services to our people.
Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme
18. Honourable Councillors you will recall that in the last Full Council session it was reported that the Poverty Alleviation and Housing Project temporarily closed down due to breakdown of the brick moulding plant and lack of funds. It was further reported that the Office of the Council Secretary was engaging Department of Housing and the Poverty Eradication Programme in the Office of President to seek refinancing of the Project.
19. I am informed that Council managed to repair the Plant in-house and also raised funds through selling of stockpiled bricks which allowed for reopening of the Project and resumption of production on the 1st August 2022. Let me applaud the efforts by our officers to resuscitate the project. The Honourable House will note that this is not the first time the Plant broke down, as it has done so about a dozen times before, and this is mainly due to the fact that it is old and therefore needs replacement.
20. I am informed that the Department of Housing has indicated that they have no budget this financial year to assist with the procurement of a new brick-moulding machine. The Poverty Eradication Programme Unit at the Office of the President on the other hand is still to give a response as they had previously requested for more information which the Council has since provided.
Youth Empowerment
21. Honourable Councillors, be informed that the receipt of the financial year 2022/23 Youth Development Fund (YDF) applications at the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture started on the 10th August 2022 and will end on the 6th September 2022. Focus will mainly be in Manufacturing, Agriculture, Technology innovation, Agro and Eco-tourism. Therefore, let us encourage our youth to participate in large numbers.
Home Skills Development
22. Honourable Councillors, we are living in an unpredictable era since the COVID-19 pandemic started which has resulted in the Government’s inability to sponsor some critical activities in the district. One such activity is the Annual Mini-Show that afforded beneficiaries producing artefacts a platform to compete amongst themselves and learn from each other. The activity was sponsored by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development through the Department of Community Development in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. The successful products competed at both regional and national levels at better prices. I wish to appeal to potential investors to consider putting their monies in this worthy course since Government coffers have significantly reduced.
23. May I highlight that since the last District Mini-Show, the interested catering individuals in the district assisted through Poverty Eradication Programme were grouped into 3; that is Chobe West, Kasane Central, and Chobe East caterers. The objective of this initiative was for easy facilitation in their economic sector. I am advised great strides in income generation has since been made by these groups following their engagements at, to mention but a few, Constitutional Review Commission, Taking Services to the People held in Kachikau, and the Pandamatenga Agricultural show. I therefore want to encourage all procuring departments to constantly consider these groups so that they can also lead a dignified life together with their families.
Community Empowerment Groups
24. Honorable Councillors, as you may know, we have 5 women empowerment groups commonly known as WE GROW in Chobe West. The groups have diversified their products from basketry and tourism to engaging in commercial activities that include but not limited to selling cement, clothes and displaying of traditional music to Guest Houses and Lodges. Their efforts are more encouraging, especially in this era of limited employment opportunities.
25. One of the district’s WE GROW groups is the Mabele Digital Centre which was launched on the 7th February 2020 under the care of LWAAVO group. You will recall that Orange Botswana through Project Concern International (PCI) donated computer gadgets meant to assist the Mabele and surrounding communities with computer skills at no cost. A unanimous decision has now been taken to allow the Centre to be managed by the Village Development Committee. I therefore want to urge our constituents more especially women and youth to make the most out of this Computer Literacy Centre in order to address their digital literacy needs. Our hope is for this Centre to become an effective instrument of ensuring digital inclusion which is in line with driving our people towards a knowledge- based society.
National Arts Festival
26. Our artists, at the just ended National Arts Festival (formerly the President Day Competitions), performed commendably. At the Regional Level 18 artists in the visual arts areas such as basketry, jewelery, painting, and photography earned a total sum of P41,000.00 in prize monies whilst 17 won prizes in categories of traditional song and dance, comedy, drama, traditional pottery and modelling to earn a total sum of P263, 000.00. This income injection will assist the participants from the aftermath of COVID-19. I therefore want to encourage those artists who did not win to not despair and start preparing now for the next competitions.
District Health Management
27. Honourable Councillors, efforts are being made to try to contain the COVID-19 cases in the district. Even so, we still have a long way to go; and only through vigilance, compliance and vaccinations will we be able to reach our fundamental goal. To date, the cases stand at a cumulative 8456 compared to the 7841 reported in the last quarter. It is much pleasing to report that no death has been recorded since 15th January 2022. Regarding vaccination coverage, as of the 3rd August 2022, 92.5% of Chobe targeted pop**ation had been fully vaccinated whilst about 55.7% of all those due for booster dose had taken their doses. The DHMT will in the near future announce the commencement of vaccination for those aged between 5 and 11 years. Honourable Councillors, let us note this so that we can be able to encourage our electorates accordingly.
28. We noted a significant increase of diarrhea cases from week of 31st July to the 6th August 2022. 94 cases were recorded with the mostly affected group being children under 5 years of age. However, there has been no death recorded since the outbreak. The community is advised to drink safe or boiled water, hand wash, maintain clean environment, and seek medical care as soon as diarrhea starts. I thus want to implore upon you Honourable house to relay this important message to our constituents back home for their benefit.
Education and Training
29. Honourable Councillors, I was privileged to attend the Regional Learners week for Out of School Education and Training (OSET) learners in Kavimba on the 9th August, 2022. The celebrations were a culmination of a series of events staged towards recognition of achievements by these learners. The events included but not limited to basketry, weaving, and cake making. These products are to compete with other products from other Regions of the country at the upcoming International Literacy Day celebration that will take place on the 8th September, 2022 in Kang. Please join me in wishing those who will be representing us well and hope they emerge winners.
30. Still on academics, on the 14th July 2022, one of the public members Mr Luckson L. Likokoto donated 50 tablets equipped with lessons for reception class pupils. The good gesture is appreciated as it aligns with Government efforts towards digital transformation.
School Furniture and Equipment
31. I must acknowledge that provision of furniture, especially to teachers, has been a thorn on the flesh largely due to budgetary constraints. On the other hand, our schools’ photocopiers have been on and off despite regular maintenance. At this juncture, let me applaud the Parents Teachers Associations of Plateau Primary School who have utilized their own funds as well as Handyman allocation to refurbish pupils’ chairs. In this sense Honourable Councillors, they need to be commended for this good gesture, and it is my ardent hope that other primary schools will do the same.
School Feeding Programme
32. Honourable Councillors, Ladies and gentlemen you will agree with me that school feeding is also a vehicle for local economic empowerment more especially to the livelihoods of our vulnerable groups. Since April 2022 to date a total of over P1.9 million has been spent on procuring food commodities from local community including Poverty Eradication beneficiaries, women and youth as well as People with Disabilities.
Reception Class Programme
33. You will remember from my predecessor’s previous addresses that, during the financial year 2021/22, we received funds amounting to P315,174.97 from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in order to procure reception class furniture and equipment for Kasane, Plateau and Pandamatenga Primary Schools. This is in addition to P90,627.21 received under Backlog Eradication Programme during the financial year 2020/21 in order to furnish and equip Parakarungu Reception Class. Some learning materials for these 4 schools have already been delivered. We have now been allocated a further P1,295,000.00 to extend procurement to other schools with inadequate learning materials during this current financial year 2022/23. So far, a collaborative needs assessment has been done and pre-tender activities are ongoing.
34. On the other hand, Construction of a double Reception classroom block at Pandamatenga Primary School is progressing well at 7% overall physical progress. The project is scheduled to complete by December 2022.
School Maintenance
35. Let me first express my grave concern over contractors who fail to deliver projects on time and as per specifications despite government’s effort to try to economically empower them. It is on the backdrop of the above that I report to you Honourable Councillors, that the contractor who was engaged to construct 2No. prefabricated classroom blocks at Chobe CJSS and Liswaani 1 CJSS has abandoned both sites at sub-structure level due to some unresolved contractual issues. Implementation of the two was scheduled for the period 7th March 2021 to the 23rd May 2021. The effects and consequence of this project failure on teaching and learning amidst the current shortage of classrooms at the schools, and social distancing requirements cannot be overemphasized. Communications are however continuing between the client and the contractor to resolve the matters at hand.
36. On the same vein, a contract for construction of a conservancy tank at Liswaani 1 CJSS has been terminated due to contractor’s sub-standard performance. The project was funded through recurrent budget and as such new funds have to be sourced to complete the remaining works.
C. SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Wildlife and National Resources
37. Honourable Councillors, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks continuously undertakes sustainable utilization, conservation and protection of natural resources programmes. To this end, a total of 176 licenses and permits have been issued and accrued an amount of P1.7 million this hunting season. These licences are inclusive of those issued in Community Hunting areas. So far for CH 1, 31 out of a total of 37 licences have been issued, CH 8 – 25 out of 39 and lastly in CH12 – 39 out of 48 licences have been issued.
38. Honourable Councillors, the terms of office for Board of Trustees of our 3 Community Trusts has been extended up to 30th September 2022 to allow them to prepare Audit reports, arrange for Annual General meetings and thereafter hold elections for the new Boards of Trustees. I am informed preparations are ongoing at different stages for both Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust and PALEKA Community Conservation Trust. With respect to Seboba Community Conservation Trust preparations are still lagging behind and I want to take this time to appeal to the relevant offices to hastily facilitate the trust so that they can also do the required.
39. Honourable Councillors, the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, KAZA TFCA, held training and evaluation workshop in Kasane from the 20th - 27th July 2022. The workshop was in preparation for the first ever Synchronised Transboundary Aerial Survey of elephants in the KAZA TFCA and the principal objective for the survey is to provide the most precise and accurate estimate of the number of elephants in the KAZA TFCA. Further the survey will determine seasonal distributions and range of elephants and other larger herbivores. The outcomes of the survey Honourable Members will help in effective management of elephants and further address issues of human/wildlife conflict, sustainable utilization and as well promoting trans-boundary movements within the TFCA.
40. On a more disturbing note Honourable Councillors, 50 white backed vultures were found dead after feeding on a carcass of a buffalo suspected to have been poisoned at CH1 concession area. Some vulture’s body parts (heads, legs and internal organs) were harvested. The culprits are still at large and investigations continue to determine the cause of death of the birds.
Water Supply
41. Honorable Councilors, the combined water supply from Kasane and Kazungula treatment plants has adequately met the demand for all the 8 villages this quarter. You will however agree with me that few and isolated incidences colour and non-compliant turbidity were observed immediately after resuming supply from water treatment plant breakdowns. The Corporation however promises to uphold routine tank cleaning and highest standards of water treatment in a bid to deliver potable water quality for the district at all times.
Wastewater spillages
42. Honorable Councilors, Kasane/ Kazungula continues to face challenges of wastewater spillages due to the intentional discarding of foreign objects into the waste-water system. Despite these challenges, WUC continues to assess equipment performance and procuring of some equipment to further improve the situation. Minor modifications are continuously being done to address this issue. I further lay emphasis on continued education of the community of Chobe at large to take accountability for proper use of the wastewater system so we can continue to enjoy a clean environment for many years to come.
D. GOVERNANCE AND SECURITY
Crime Situation and Drug Trafficking
43. Honourable Councillors, from January 2022 up to July 2022, offences against property increased by 21% as 57 cases were recorded against a target of 47 during the same period in year 2021. While statistics showed an increase in offences of Robbery and Attempts, Burglary and theft and Housebreaking and theft, a reduction was recorded in cases of Store breaking and theft.
44. Of concern also is that break-inns continue to be a challenge particularly in Kasane, Plateau, Kazungula Newstance and Flowertown. Perpetrators mostly target electronic gadgets even with night patrols by Police volunteers. As such, let us encourage our community to help in the fight against crime through avenues such as Neighbourhood Watch.
45. Another concern in the district Honourable Councillors, is the rising level of drugs trafficking and abuse which are mostly smuggled from Francistown and Gaborone. During the period under review 32 cases were registered as compared to 47 recorded last year and Cannabis remains the major drug problem. Deployment of SSG K9 unit at border posts has prevented smuggling from neighbouring countries.
CONCLUSION
46. Honourable members, Ladies and gentlemen, as I conclude my address, I would like to end by expressing my best wishes for a most fruitful gathering. I urge you all to give objective and due consideration to the matters I raised; and to the others to come throughout this session.
47. Remember that it is still very important to continue adhering to Covid-19 protocols as it still exists. I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to concrete resolutions in this session.
I thank you.
