… as central government grapples with budgetary constraints
As central government continues to grapple with its own budgetary constraints, the North West District Council (NWDC) has been left helpless, failing to provide essential services and overwhelmed by significant financial obligations.
The situation is dire as council is faced with among other critical challenges, roads which remain in bad state of disrepair as well as several contractual debts.
In an interview, NWDC chairman, Itumeleng Kelebetseng acknowledged that their roads have not been maintained during the financial year of 2025/26 but attributed this to budgetary constraints. He added that the situation of bad roads is now worsened by above normal rains.
Regrettably, Kelebetseng could not promise anything with regards to maintenance of the roads noting that they have not been availed any funds by the central government.
“To say we would have maintained the roads by this time would be a lie to the people because there were no funds availed to us. If central government decries financial struggles, then it means the situation down to us is worse.”
Nonetheless, the chairman indicated that NWDC’s Road Works Division will keep patching potholes with stabilized gravel to lessen the impact until everything is back to normal. He however noted that the same efforts are ruined by pouring rains.
In his last full council session address, Kelebetseng highlighted that the dry grading and sand cushioning on the Sankoyo – Mababe (40km) will continue up to mid October 2026.
He added that preparations for the procurement of the reconstruction and asphalt overlay of Maun – Shorobe (30km), the overlay of Moreomaoto – Gweta, including Motopi access road (105km) and Sehithwa – Kuke Asphalt Overlay, including access to Bodibeng (80km) are nearing completion. He stated that floating of tenders are expected by end of January 2026, subject to availability of funds.
Owing to the persistent cash flow challenges, the chairman explained that government no longer allocate councils their requested budget in total but partially disburse the funds on quarterly basis. He revealed that they have not even received funds for the last quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year lamenting how this end up consequently disrupting some essential provisions.
Kelebetseng highlighted that the council currently does not have enough funds to feed primary schools and that they also owe suppliers. He noted that though the suppliers continue supply schools he would not be surprised if they cease doing so as some have even threatened to take legal actions.
The chairman added that the council is also struggling to pay other contractors engaged to do several projects across the district including those developing the Maun Main Kgotla.
Meanwhile, Kelebetseng noted that though they embrace the call for councils to develop sustainable revenue generation methods it will however take time for them to benefit from such develpments.
Local councils are being urged to accelerate income-generation strategies to combat rising operational costs, reduced central government funding, and significant budget deficits. The shift moves councils away from relying solely on government grants toward fostering financial independence through innovation, investment, and better asset management.
