01 Mar 2016

Parliament has been told that the bush in Block 8 opposite Airport Junction Mall is an open space that has been left consciously in its natural state to serve as a breather for the city. 

Answering a parliamentary question, local government and rural development assistant minister, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said the area was rich in fauna and flora that consist of both medicinal and edible plants, which are natural to the area and could be used to educate students within the proximity of the city. 

She said she was not aware of any security reasons that informed Gaborone City Council’s decision to designate this piece of land as an open space. 

Furthermore, Ms Tshireletso noted that the planning rationale for designating this space had nothing to do with security reasons as it was meant to preserve it in its natural state. 

“This natural open space was principally designated for preservation of both medicinal and edible species,” she said. 

Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked why the said area was not cleared despite being a hub for thieves. 

He had also wanted to know if it was true that the bush had been left for security reasons and if so, what security issues the bush was handling. Ends