01 Mar 2016

The re-naming of Gaborone neighbourhoods from the original draughting names such as Block 8 and Block 7 was done following a consultative process with residents in 2002/03.

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, said as part of the consultations, it was agreed that the neighbourhoods be named after existing dikgotla in Botswana and the proposal was considered and approved by the Gaborone City Council.  

The approved neighbourhoods by consensus were; Phase 1- Mabodisa ward in Mochudi, Phase 2- Ntloedibe ward in Molepolole, Block 3- Feya ward in Ramotswa, Phase 4- Mafikana ward in Kanye, Block 5- Moroka ward in Moroka, Block 6- Boseja ward in Maun, Block 7- Ditimamodimo ward in Serowe, Block 8- Marapoathutlwa ward in Mogoditshane/Gabane and Block 9- Difetlhamolelo in Molepolole.

She further said Marapoathutlwa and Ditimamodimo primarily came to the fore due to the fact that the two neighbourhoods formed part of the LAPCAS project that started in 2012/13. 

This project was aimed at, among others, encouraging the use of residential addresses for various services such as mail and public transport.

She said residents were consulted through kgotla meetings in liaison with WDC and individuals were also allowed to make written submissions.

MP for Gaborone North, Mr Haskin Nkaigwa had asked the minister what informed the naming of locations such as Block 8 now called Marapoathutlwa and Block 7 now called Ditimamodimo and whether the residents were consulted. 

He also wanted to know who consulted them and where and what was the outcome of such consultations. Ends