Recently, the issue of abandoned Remote Area Dwellers (RADs) hostels came into the spotlight at the National Assembly. Hon. Phillip Khwae, MP (Kgalagadi North) had asked the Minister of Local Government if he is aware that there are buildings which were initially used by RADs as hostels in Lehututu and Hukuntsi but are currently not being used, and asked if there are any plans to use these buildings.
In his response, the Honourable Minister, said he is aware that buildings which were initially used in Lehututu and Hukuntsi villages ceased to operate in 2006, when the new RAD hostels were opened and became operational in Hunhukwe. He however added that there are plans in place to utilise these buildings.
To this end, a taskforce was appointed to advise the Council and came up with recommendations on its future use. As such the taskforce recommended that the Council facility be handed over to the Village Development Committee (VDC) on behalf of the Lehututu community.
The taskforce further indicated that the facility is to be handed over in its current state (dilapidated) as the Council does not have funds to refurbish it. The issue is to be forwarded to the Council and sub-council management for the final decision, which is to be made in August 2011.
In the context of the Hukuntsi RAD hostels, it was intended that in 2010 the facility will temporarily accommodate Hukuntsi Clinic, while the new clinic premises are being constructed on the current plot. It was later realised that such RAD hostel facilities are not conducive for a clinic. The citing of buildings (scattered) on the plot was perceived to be not suitable for clinic operation.
Therefore, the ministry through the Council is still establishing the possibility of utilizing the facility for office accommodation and residence for officers. This will also depend on the availability of funds should the proposal be found feasible.