25 Jun 2014

The Jwaneng Town Council (JTC) mayor, Mr Amos Jahana and his counterpart from Peoria in the US, Mr Jim Ardis, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a partnership between the two areas.

The signing followed a return visit to Peoria by Councillor Jahana and other council dignitaries after an exploration visit to Jwaneng by Peoria’s delegation in October last year.  

According to the JTC senior public relations officer, Ms Dinah Bogale, the partnership would create a platform for information sharing on developmental projects and other related issues.

“The exchange between the two cities is expected to create networks for the provision of information on different issues and also on development projects including business entrepreneurship, care, technology, management and alternative energy projects,” said Ms Bogale.

She also noted that the arrangement would help the two partners to engage in activities geared towards enhancing council personnel experiences and capacities in the form of exchange tours by councillors, administrative staff, as well as other stakeholders.

Ms Bogale said, among other issues, the agreement would promote economic diversification through tourism, agriculture, agro-business as well as the development of small and medium enterprises.

It would also involve issues of education and training through student exchange programs between the two urban areas and the development of the workforce, she said.

Furthermore, she explained that the cooperation would tackle disaster management, waste management and social protection through social and community development, and the best exchange practices on child welfare, children with disabilities, and fundraising for such causes.

“To achieve the above, the Jwaneng Town Council will establish a committee solely for managing the functionality of the partnership and both Town Clerks of Jwaneng Town Council and the Municipality of the City of Peoria will coordinate joint initiatives of both parties,” she said. ENDS