13 Jan 2016

The youth in Kanana ward in Francistown have decried lack of recreational centres in their area.

Speaking in a kgotla meeting addressed by Francistown West Member of Parliament, Mr Ignatius Moswaane on Tuesday, one youth, Mr Thabo Nyambe said with the high unemployment rate, construction projects would create opportunities for the youth to gain work experience.

He said once completed such centres would keep away the youth from wayward behaviour and also provide a place where they could socialise and get a relief from their stress.

Mr Nyambe also requested the council to avail a plot that could be used by different social teams in Gerald Estate. 

Meanwhile, Ms Molly Motlhanga emphasised the importance of education and encouraged young people to take it seriously in order to prosper in their future endeavours.

She urged parents not to neglect their children’s right to education and to support them throughout their studies. Ms Motlhanga said crime committed by the youth was worrisome, adding that some of them engage in smoking dagga.

In response, MP Moswaane said due to budgetary constraints the planned recreational centre was withdrawn from the National Development Plan. 

He promised to table the issue in the next Parliament, adding that the centre would develop the lives of the youth.

He noted that young people have different skills, experiences, lifestyles, challenges and capacities that need to be nurtured.

“They are the most precious resource for the future of our nation and the key to our long term development,” he said. 

On the issue of dagga, MP Moswaane warned residents against selling dagga. Ends