By REGINALD KANYANE
10 April 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the communities of Taung in Sekhing and Manthe villages are left with optimism and joy following his visit. Lehari graced the areas to deliver on the health delivery commitments made to the communities of the sub-district.
He further said among the commitments made by the department to the communities of Taung is the completion of the Baga-Mothibi Community Health Centre (CHC). Lehari added that this project, which has become a lifeline for the communities scattered in over 16 villages falling under Kgosi Mothibi, was first constructed with a R140m budget estimate.
“The Baga-Mothibi Community Health Centre (CHC) was officially opened by the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile in September 2023. The facility offers 24-hour increased access to healthcare facilities to members of the surrounding communities.
“The latest work to be carried out on this project is for a budget estimate of R56m, which will cover the general building work which include brick and mortar where it is outstanding,” he said.
Lehari said the budget also covers electrical and ICT networks, mechanical, air conditioning, civil works inclusive of water and sewerage reticulation and pavements. He said this will be done in all 16 units of the facilities, which include maternity, Outpatient Department (OPD), staff residence, dental, radiology, medical gas areas and all the areas.
“We caution all stakeholders against delaying the project. We are here to handover to the contractor and the principal consultants. The contractor will begin and complete the remaining scope.
“The project must have the beginning and end. Therefore, project managers and consultants must be held accountable to ensure completion of the project,” said Lehari.
He said the handover, which was also attended by the Baga-Mothibi Traditional Council, the Speaker of the Local Municipality, municipal councillors, the acting DDG for Health Services and the
the District Chief Director, also deliberated on the roles of key stakeholders to make the project a success.
“I expect the contractor to work together with the project manager. The Community Liaison Officer must serve the role of being a link of the project with the community. A project steering committee which receives a sitting allowance should also assist completion of the project by playing its role.
“If we work together and there are no disruptions like rain, we can expect this project to be completed around April 2026,” he said.
In other exciting news, Lehari took time to meet with the Chief of Batlhaping Ba Ga-Maidi, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane. The meeting was to reflect on much-anticipated plans to build a Community Health Centre for Batlhaping Ba Ga-Maidi.
“I briefed Motlhabane that Manthe CHC was on the B5 project list, but was not allocated a budget. However, we assured him and his tribal council that following a meeting with the National Department of Health, the CHC will now be allocated a budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
“We were requested at the meeting with National to first make sure that all current projects are completed before the new ones are accommodated. I have been hard at work conducting oversight through my “Re Bona Ka Matlho” programme to make sure that these projects are completed on time,” he said.
Lehari said this will enable them to start new projects, including the new Manthe CHC for Batlhaping Ba Ga-Maidi communities. He said while the Batlhaping Ba Ga-Maidi CHC is earmarked for the 2026/27 financial year, the Ba Ga-Mothibi CHC is a 12 month project estimated to be completed by April 2026.
Meanwhile, the excited Motlhabane, thanked Lehari and the department for the commitment to deliver the CHC. He assured the department for cooperation and alluded to the fact that the tribal council has already identified land for the project.
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