…. as their political term comes to an end
As the Okavango District Council (ODC) sat for the last full session this week before the upcoming general elections, Chairman Gaopalelwe Ronald used the opportunity to reflect on the achievements and the challenges that they encountered as a district.
With over 18 months in office, Ronald also acknowledged councilors, Mpoke Karapo and Lesedi Boy who also held fort of the chairmanship during the 5-year term.
In relation to infrastructure development, Ronald highlighted that one of the achievements was the construction of 261 destitute and RADP houses at cost of over P28 million since the beginning of their term in 2019.
“These will go a long way in restoring the dignity of our people. All the houses were completed and handed over to beneficiaries for occupation,” he said.
Further, Ronald revealed that for this financial year 2024/25, council is constructing a total of 5 houses (2 destitute houses and 3 RADP houses). Of the 5 houses 4 projects have started and are at mobilization stage while one is still at the procurement stage.
Another milestone, was improving educational facilities in schools – the nine primary school backlog projects which were implemented through the ESP III programme. The primary schools which benefited are Etsha 1, Shambombo, Etsha 13, Samochima, Shakawe, Mohembo West, Eretsha, Mokgacha and Tsodilo.
“All the other projects are complete except for one project at Tsodilo which is also at finishing stage with expected completion date revised to the 30th August 2024,” stated the chairman. The projects he stated made a significant contribution in employment creation for about 135 individuals (27 females, 100 males) and 47 youths.
Still under primary education facilities, Ronald revealed that the Okavango District Council managed to undertake major maintenance in 10 Primary Schools at value of over P16 million. The maintenance works were carried out at Shakawe, Etsha 13, Etsha 6, Kelekele, Gumare, Tlhale, Seronga, Gunotsoga, Xakao and Beetsha.
“An additional funding amounting to P17 393 000,00 has also been allocated for maintenance works at Nxamasere, Gudigwa, Kauwxhi and Nokaneng Primary Schools, of which two are on-going while Kauxwi and Nokaneng are at procurement stage,” he revealed.
As for Community Constituency Projects, the chairman indicated that over the past five years, they managed to implement a total of 113 projects at value of over P49 million. These projects he said included maintenance of VDC houses, solar panel installations at types in VDC plots, maintenance of hostels and classrooms, building reception classes and offices, graveling and paving of internal roads, electrification and installation of tower lights, as well as water reticulation projects.
“Overall, these projects have made a significant impact in reducing maintenance backlogs, addressing housing and office space shortages, and somewhat meeting the infrastructure needs of our villages of Qangwa, Habu, and Xaixai, construction of a Kgotla at Shakawe, installation of palisades at the Gumare sports complex, construction of SHHA houses,” he applauded.
With regards to road infrastructure, he said it is worth noting that since 2019 to date, there has been improvement in terms of funding district road projects. This as he lamented that for the longest time, the district was neglected especially on the aspect of road infrastructure development.
“For sure, it has not been all smooth and rosy in terms of delivery of some of these projects, most of them could have long been completed during this term if it was not because of challenges with initial awarded contractors. Nokaneng-Gumare project, road being one of them.”
He indicated that the Development Manager (DM) has since been appointed in order to fast track implementation of these projects. According to him, the development Manager for Nokaneng – Gumare DM4 Nama Knight Piesold JV has completed Preliminary design and is awaiting construction approval.
With regard to Mohembo-Gudigwa road, the chairman indicated that Bigen Consulting (PTY) LTD who is the Development Manager for project Mohembo – Gudigwa was currently doing a design review of the project. “The other project which entails shoulder construction and asphalt overlay of Gumare – Sepopa and Sepopa Mohembo are ongoing despite the slow progress due to non-availability of quality construction materials,” he concluded.
