13 Aug 2015

Botswana Police Service (BPS) will control the flow of traffic in Gaborone during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 35^th summit which is scheduled to kick-start on Monday, August 17.

In a brief interview with BPS public relations officer, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Mbulawa, he said although they anticipate traffic interruptions at certain intervals during the arrival and stay of SADC Heads of State and Government, they would manage to control and update motorists as usual.

Mr Mbulawa noted that despite the fact that traffic control manned by police officers might be a little notable, it would be normal as the public would be briefed in the traffic updates as usual. 

He, however, explained that it would not be appropriate to indicate which roads would be closed to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic for heads of state who would be attending the summit at the Gaborone International Convention Centre because that may compromise their security. 

Heads of state and government officials are expected to arrive in the country from Sunday August 16. 

The outgoing and incoming SADC chairpersons will address the summit which has brought together 15 members states.

The city has not yet begun to feel the hustle and bustle of traffic which comes along with the arrival of visiting dignitaries as it is always the case during such events, which normally attract the attention of various people from both within and outside the region. 

Meanwhile, various SADC committees are busy finalising the programme of the event and preparing for tasks ahead of the summit which include media briefing by the SADC secretariat and the Meeting of the Council of Ministers. ENDS