24 Nov 2015

Francistown mayor, Ms Sylvia Muzila has informed the ongoing council meeting that Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) intends to discontinue some of its services effective next year.

Addressing the meeting on Monday, Ms Muzila said WUC would discontinue emptying septic tanks and pit latrines in SHHA areas by March 31 next year.

She explained that according to the corporation the SHHA areas were serviced with the sewer network, and due to the emptying of septic tanks and pit latrines the sewer network system was underutilised.

She said WUC explained that it incurs huge costs in running two parallel systems in one area and that residents should be encouraged to connect to the sewer network.

Ms Muzila said the corporation further advised affected residents that they have an option to pay cash or three months installments, and that connection would only be done after the final payment.

On the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), Ms Muzila said the initiative comes at a time when the city of Francistown wants to see investments as per Vision 2022.

She expressed hope that the city would benefit from the programme in driving its vision in focus areas such as accelerated land servicing, road construction, upgrading of education and health facilities.

“Other focus areas that we wish to have a share on are boosting local manufacturing and services with increased citizen participation, achieving food security and job creation through improved agricultural production and leveraging ICT for the creation of an e-society through expanded e-services,” she said.

She shared with councillors that in the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), Francistown was mentioned as one  of the districts where boreholes would  be drilled and equipped for poverty eradication beneficiaries to engage in horticultural production.

Ms Muzila said a bypass from the A1 road in Francistown was also mentioned in the SONA as one of the projects that would be undertaken through the ESP.

“We believe this refers to the western bypass as one of the three bypasses we have prioritised, and if everything goes well with the programme there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of achieving the goals envisaged in our vision,” she said.

Concerning the ongoing construction of the Tonota-Francistown road, the mayor said congestion would be experienced due to the ongoing woks, and that construction stands at 90.6 per cent against the anticipated 94.5 per cent, and that it was hoped that it would be  completed on January 13 next year.

She said the construction of the interchange was at 16.6 per cent against the planned 23.5 per, and that it was expected to be completed in August 2016.

She requested councillors to plead with the public to continue exercising patience on the congested roads.

During comments, nominated councillor, Mr James Kgalajwe commended the government for coming up with the ESP and for empowering economically disadvantaged groups such as women and youth.

Satellite South councillor, Mr Godisang Radisigo suggested that the Gerald Estate-Kgaphamadi gravel road should be graded in order to divert traffic during peak hours. Ends