25 Jun 2015

Jwaneng town clerk, Mr Dick Kalantle, has called on spectators of the 100km Desert Race to cooperate with the police to ensure maximum security and safety over the weekend.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Jwaneng, Mr Kalantle noted that it was everybody’s responsibility to take care of themselves and secure their property.

He said even though a number of police officers had been deployed in Jwaneng specifically for the race, they relied much on the cooperation of members of the public to enjoy the event and safely return to their respective places.

On health issues, the clerk noted that the Jwaneng Mine Hospital had increased its personnel to cater for the race, and three doctors will be on standby. 

He said two clinics had also increased staff and Unit 2 clinic will operate during the day while Ditsweletse clinic will continue operating for 24 hours.

He said other personnel such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists had volunteered their services for the Desert Race.

Mr Kalantle also said that due to low profits that small businesses made during last year’s event, they decided to issue vendors’ and hawkers will be issued  free trading licenses for the event in order for the majority to benefit from the event. . 

He said all they needed to do was register with the authorities so that such statistics could be used during the evaluation stage.  

He said the free trading license was only applicable within the boundaries of Jwaneng Township. 

However, he cautioned them against selling alcohol, saying there were already businesses licensed for that.

He said in order to reduce traffic flow within Jwaneng; they have decided to move the camp sites away from the township to nearby farms. He said there were four official camp sites and ablution facilities were provided at the camps.

The residents complained that the information dissemination meeting could have been held earlier so that they could prepare well for the race. 

They said even the affected farmers would not have ample time to move their livestock from the cattlepost. 

One of the residents Mr Oagile Tapologo said the late consultation would hinder Jwaneng residents to benefit because it was too late to organise themselves in terms of small businesses. He said they were going to lose out on the many opportunities brought by the race.

Another resident Mr Jonathan Tebogo said since the leadership have acknowledged delay on consultations, they should work on improving the process the following year. He said instead of publicity material being coordinated from Gaborone, it should start where the race will be held. ENDS