In a bid to bring services closer to the nation, Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Matekane has officially handed over the new office building worth M4.9 million for Makeoane Community Council at Sebetia on Wednesday.
In his remarks, Prime Minister said the government has embarked on a journey to implement decentralization; therefore, actions have to reflect such.
Mr. Matekane said though they might have both central and local government, that does not mean they should work in isolation, but they should work collectively to deliver effective service delivery to the people.
He stressed that it is the responsibility of central government to provide resources for local government so that it can effectively executive it’s roles and responsibilities, therefore the government has to build safe office spaces for local government and also to provide human and other resources.
Prime Minister said at the beginning of the project, Lesotho government initiated it and it is friendship with Germany government in 2006 whereby it contributed 85% of support while Lesotho came with 15% to start Local Government Infrastructure improvement projects.
He pointed out that when Germany funded elapsed, Lesotho government pursued the project and it has so far managed to build 20 offices mainly found in Maseru and other districts like Berea.
Prime Minister pointed out that though there is a slight progress, they are faced with a huge challenge of financial constraints and that requires commitment, patience and proper management of finances in order to achieve their objectives in governance.
He further said they are hopeful that Basotho business community will always get the support of the government for their growth, adding that other countries enjoyed growth by developing private sector, hence the importance of working together in changing the country to a better state.
Mr. Matekane pleaded with the service providers at Makeoane council to value and protect such office building by maintaining cleanliness at all times, adding that they should ensure that Basotho acquire outstanding services.
Mr. Matekane added that he is aware of weather challenges encountered delayed the construction phase of the project, therefore it is high time to consider climate change adaptation strategies during the construction for their sustainability, adding that councils should as well develop budgets for maintenance.
Also speaking Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Home Affairs and Police Mr.Lebona Lephema said local authorities have right to conducive work environment, therefore the time is now for local authorities and every individual to execute their duties and responsibilities for effective service delivery because it is not the role of Prime Minister alone to enforce service improvement.
Mr. Lephema stressed that it is time for Basotho to change their mindsets because as local government is working hard to restore the dignity towards other countries in terms of cleaniless.
Minister of Local Government further pleaded with Basotho in all occupations to fast track their way of doing things and show the love of the country, adding that its own people can only change Lesotho.
Mr. Lephema said it is high time they change the mindset of people, adding that as Local Government they are looking forward to restore the dignity of Lesotho.
He said so far nine offices for Urban councils have been constructed, and as the government they will reach the entire country.
Mr. Lephema also pleaded with the officers of Makeoane council to serve people with all passion.
Mosalemane Member of Parliament and also Minister of Education and Training Professor (Prof) Ntoi Rapapa highlighted that Mosalemane was found to be the poorest in the district by World Bank studies, but efforts to have such improved office facility in remote area is a sign of development.
Prof. Rapapa said they witness service development, however, poor infrastructure (roads and bridges) in Mosalemane constituency remain a critical challenge, adding that they urge the government to help them with cannabis production.
He said much as Mosalemane people strive hard to promote community-policing programmes, they still encourage government to introduce a satellite police post within the community council offices for public safety.
Sharing the same sentiments, Kueneng and Mapoteng Principal Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete expressed words of gratitude about the new office building for the council.
Chief Peete further raised awareness to the Minister of Local Government that he is facing a very difficult challenge in local government, so their role is to assist him with civil and public servants including chiefs.
Chief Peete stressed that for quite a long time decentralization of services used to dominate the discussions but without any implementation and as a result councils are there for nothing because all the services are still controlled at central level.
He further said there is a new challenge of Community Councillors who are found to be the enemies of the community on allocation and land administrative issues whereas forgetting that they are still under the leadership of the chiefs, adding that they should maintain their line of demarcations.
Chief Peete highlighted that services have declined in almost all community Councils because Community Councilors seem to serve their own personal interests, than working collectively with the Area Chiefs in addressing the needs of the community.
He further said services should be decentralized, so that communities can plan and execute their own activities, moreover he appealed to the government to seek God’s guidance so that they can rule accordingly; prioritizing communities interests first.
Among the special guests who graced the event , includes Berea District Council Chairperson Mr. Pheta Letsoela who as well expressed his gratitude for welcoming such facility aimed at improving their services, adding that they still call for the implementation of decentralization.
