Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
TSHOLOTSHO Rural District Council is seeking to borrow US$1 million from the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) to acquire road-maintenance and waste-management equipment, drill boreholes and upgrade infrastructure at its business centre.
In a notice of intention to borrow, the local authority said the proposed loan would finance the purchase of a grader, a 20-cubic-metre tipper truck, a 20 000-litre water bowser, a refuse compactor truck and a water drilling rig.
The funding would also cater for resurfacing the Tsholotsho Business Centre main road and installing a stormwater drainage system, in an investment package targeting road maintenance, water access, refuse collection and improved environmental management.
The acquisition of heavy-duty equipment is expected to strengthen the council’s capacity to maintain local roads, transport construction materials, support roadworks, collect refuse and drill boreholes.
Resurfacing the business centre’s main road and installing drainage infrastructure are also expected to improve access and help manage stormwater runoff.
The proposed borrowing comes as rural local authorities seek resources to maintain infrastructure and improve service delivery, with equipment purchases offering councils greater capacity to undertake routine works.
However, the loan proposal remains subject to a public objection process outlined in the council’s notice.
Residents, community groups and organisations wishing to object to the proposed borrowing have been invited to submit written objections to the council’s chief executive officer between October 8 and October 22, 2026.
The council said objections would be acknowledged and considered, with submissions potentially shared with POSB and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
Those who submit objections will be notified of the outcome after the council has considered their submissions.
