By BAKANG MOKOTO

The community in Molelema village, near Taung rejected the offer tabled by North West MEC of Public Works and Roads department, Mmule Maluleke regarding construction of tar road on D208 and D209.

Maluleke addressed the community on Thursday after they embarked on a month long strike. They demand proper roads in their area.

One of community leaders, Mothibi Makoro said: “We are not happy about the 10km matter. They promised atleast 71km road construction, but now they have changed their tune. We will now engage with the community and discuss way forward.”

School children are prohibited to go to school. The Molelema Primary School and local community hall were torched. Foreign-owned shops were also looted during protests.

Tshepang Diseko who is a Grade 12 learner from Letlhogile Secondary School said: “We urge for tranquility in the area because the strike affects our education. It’s been a month without attending any classes and that is a concern. We are left behind and our end-of-the-year-results will be affected.”

Maluleke said: “The department does not have money and will only manage to construct 10km road. We have a budget of R268m for the whole province. The department is faced with budget constraint because the budget is allocated according to the population.

“North West province is predominantly rural, but the needs are huge. We understand that the community received a letter that informed them that it is part of budget. However, that letter was not signed by Head of Department (HoD).”

Maluleleke said the government official who handed over the letter to the community is currently on suspension. She said the construction of 10km road will started soon after the engagements between the department, municipality and the Tribal Authority.

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