Bereng Mpaki
Hololo
‘MAMOLIKENG Taee, says she is hopeful that her cast ballot in Hololo constituency will spur the addressing of her community’s service delivery challenges.
Ms Taee told the Sunday Express yesterday after casting her ballot in the both the local government and parliamentary by-election at Marakabei Primary School voting station.
Hololo, Thupa-Kubu and Teya-teyaneng #24 were among the three constituencies in which the IEC declared failed elections after the deaths of candidates ahead of the 3 June polls. The other constituency was Hololo.
As a result, the by-elections were being held concurrently with the local government polls in the three constituencies.
She said her village of Malere was in desperate need of service delivery with amenities such as electricity, water and feeder roads not available.
“The cost of connecting electricity is too steep for most of us, so it is accessible to only a few who are well of,” said Ms Ms Taee.
“So, I think the government has to find a way to bring down the cost for us to afford it. After all, electricity is very essential in people’s daily lives.”
She added: “Also, the state of our gravel roads is deplorable, and that makes it difficult for villagers to transport fragile artefacts such as household furniture. Due to the poor state of our roads, transportation costs to our village are very high.”
An elderly voter from the same village, Sekhothali Molapo, said their water supply was unable to cope with the increased number of inhabitants in the village.
“We have employed a rationing system whereby when one villager can access water in their taps, while the village do not have it for two days,” she said.
At Liphakoeng Primary voting station, an elderly man, Keresiane Mokitlane, said his wish was for the government to subsidise ploughing as the cost of hiring a tractor had become too steep for villagers who depend on farming for feeding their families and livestock.
He also bemoaned the state of a 50km gravel road which links Ha Marakabei and Monontsa border post.
“Our politicians always promise to get this road tarred during their election campaigns when they need out votes, but as soon as we for vote them, they forget about their promises leaving poor voters in a lurch,” he said.
For her part, presiding officer at Liphakoeng voting station Door A, Likhapha Thakhisi, said voting had proceeded smoothly without any challenges, and voters were turning up in good numbers, including youths who are usually apathetic.
Another presiding officer at Marakabei, Keneuoe Rantso said, due to the national assembly election taking place concurrently with the local government election, increased levels of concentration were critical for voting officers.
“There is more work to be done since three ballots have to be cast. However, we have made sure that our staff understand the importance of devoting enough time for each voter so that no mistakes happen,” she said.