16 Mar 2015

The acting director of roads department, Ms Kgakgamatso Kalasi, has touted the anticipated road interchange project in Francistown as a boost for the northern city’s economy through an improved transportation system.

Speaking at a consultative meeting the department had organised for the business community regarding the construction of the interchange at what is currently known as Thapama Circle recently Ms Kalasi said the interchange would be an advantage to business as it will ease traffic movement.

She said the infrastructure would reduce fuel emissions since vehicles would spend less time on the interchange section; the interchange would also give the city a facelift and attract both local and international tourists, in the process generating income for the tourism sector.

Ms Kalasi further said the development would cater for pedestrian movement; hence promote their safety as they visit various shopping malls in the city. The acting director said the ground breaking of the interchange was scheduled for March 27 and that the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo was expected to officiate.

She said the ground breaking ceremony would give the Francistown community a platform to get information on the interchange, closure of the Thapama Circle and the alternative routes.

The Chief Roads Engineer for the North East region, Mr Letlhogela Radipata said due to the project, the Thapama Circle Road would be closed from Naledi Motors going to the south, while the Francistown-Maun Road (A3), the circle road would be closed from the Fire Station junction going west.

Mr Radipata said the interchange was part of the P1 billion Tonota-Francistown Road project, which started in October 2012, and that so far the project was at 69 per cent complete, and that some of the activities yet to be started were the Leomboko and Shashe Bridge access roads.

Furthermore, he explained that upon the completion of the project street lights from the Tonota Junction up to Shashe Bridge and traffic lights at the old Tati Siding Junction would be provided.

The Resident Engineer, Mr Chamu Marisamhuka said the Thapama Circle would be closed for 18 months effective April 1 and that detour roads would be availed before the closure of the circle.

He explained that vehicles from Maun to Gaborone would have to turn at the Engen Filling Station through Maipaafela location into the detour at Somerset industrial near Kia Motors.Botswana Police’s Superintendent Ditiro Mogatlawatshwene said during the construction of the interchange, the police would be deployed at Nzano Mall, Fire Station traffic lights, High Court, and other strategic spots to channel traffic accordingly.

For their part, the business community suggested that the circle closure should be done after the Easter holidays in order for them to inform their suppliers and customers and for their businesses to benefit as business peak times occurred during holidays.

The request was however not acceded to lest it set a precedent as more holidays would take place during the closure period, accoeding to Ms Kalasi.

Mr Ditiro Mangadi called for the patching of potholes on the Domboshaba Road prior to the closure of the circle and the Maaipafela residents should be informed of the increased traffic in their area during the construction of the interchange.

Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms Shirley Mukamamba said there was need for emergency vehicle operators to be informed of the routes that they could use during the construction of the interchange in order to save lives. ENDS