26 Mar 2015

The dysfunctional street lights remain the major concern in Gaborone, says councillor for Marulamantsi ward, Mr Sergeant Kgosietsile.

Commenting on the mayor’s speech on March 24, Cllr Kgosietsile said the city was not safe due to the prevailing darkness of malfunctioning street lights.

Mayor Kagiso Thutlwe had informed councilors in his opening speech on March 23 that over P23 million had been invested on the maintenance of electrical infrastructure. Councillor for Marang-Tsholofelo East ward, Mr Meshack Kebeileng concurred with Cllr Kgosietsile that streets lights were in a poor state and needed urgent attention.

Commenting, Cllr Kebeileng said if need arises, council technicians should work 24 hours to rectify the problem. He said poor street lighting contributes to high criminal activities, as thieves take advantage of the darkness.

For his part, Cllr James Matlhogojane of Selemela ward said the mayor’s speech was impressive even though the issue of waste in Gaborone was still a concern. He said the City was filthy, hence the need for Council to service the refuse vehicles so that waste could be collected on time.

Cllr Matlhogojane said all the vehicles should be up and running instead of only eight, adding that the Council has a fleet of 28. Commenting, Specially Elected Cllr Macdonald Peloetletse commended the Mayor for addressing issues affecting Gaborone City.

Cllr Peloetletse argued that though the speech focused on the improvements of the city, there was still a major teething challenge of litter. He suggested that council should come up with ways to eliminate litter in the city, noting that landscaped areas with lawns and decorative trees should be kept clean. ENDS