18 Jun 2017

In their efforts to ensure that health and safety measures are not compromised, Kweneng District Bye-Law Enforcement Committee officials have taken a decision to remove those in the informal business from operating at undesignated areas.

Most of the businesses that will be affected by the decision include those cooking fresh chips in open spaces, especially along the Molepolole main road, which according to the bye law committee posed threat to public safety as they use boiling oil and gas for cooking.

By enforcing the law, bye law committee said they were ensuring that the issue of hygiene was not compromised in the informal sector as most of the requirements were not met as provided for in the Public Health Act of 2002.

The requirements include among others continuous supply of hot and running water in all premises where food is handled, a scullery cleaning equipment with an approved hot water system.

However, this decision did not sit well with some district councillors, saying it was meant to frustrate those who wished to improve their lives.

Councillors among them Mr Tona Selala of Thamaga North expressed displeasure over the decision as there were no designated areas for such businesses.

During the just ended Kweneng District Full Council meeting, Mr Selala said it would be unfair to deny those in the informal business a chance to better their lives.    

He felt the action was not appropriate considering that there were no designated areas for them hence the individuals were compelled to identify suitable places to make ends meet.

For her part, cting Kweneng District Council chairperson, Ms Tshepo Wareaus noted that the council had the Bye-Law enforcement officers, who had the duty to regulate business operations through existing Acts among them, the Public Health Act regulation.

She said the council was bound to act accordingly to ensure that public health and safety were not compromised.

She further added that council had to see to it that it abided by Kweneng District Health and Safety Policy.

Nominated cllr, Mr Mothophi Leo said although he symphathised with such operators, the idea of using cooking gas in public places needed to be avoided with all costs.

He argued that the council through its Health and Safety Policy guard against casualties that may occur as a result.

Molepolole Station Commander, Mr Charles Mbengwa raised a concern over business operators who resort to moving to public places that were undesignated.

According to Mr Mbengwa, the move to evict such businesses was based on none-compliance as found by different government departments comprising among others the police, bye-law, immigration and veterinary officers with fines ranging between P200 to P500.

Meanwhile, Molepolole Administrative Authority senior assistant council secretary, Mr Gofaone Kgabanyane told BOPA that it was also the responsibility of the council to ensure that business operations were constantly regulated to ensure adherence.

He challenged such business operations to ensure that public health and safety was not compromised.

He said eviction did not interfere with businesses selling food, but those posing threat to public health and safety. BOPA