18 Feb 2018

Ngamiland artistes and event managers have been advised to form an association in order to speak with one voice and dialogue better.

Chief bye-law officer, Phemelo Matome said when responding to some comments raised by some artistes adding that the association would represent all members as it would act as the voice of the members to channel their concerns to relevant authorities.

He said working as a unit was an advantage noting that there were excellent opportunities with regard to the association as their voice could be heard easily.

The association, he said would also easily update its members if there were some changes be it in rules or regulations, policies and services offered to them.

However, some artistes asked if the council had open spaces, which could be availed to them for use and they were informed that the council had allocated 15 open spaces.

He stated that the open spaces could only be availed to registered organisations, which could exercise accountability and responsibility.

Some of the spaces, he mentioned include Samedupi, beaches at Boro area and the Big Tree area long the Thamalakane River.

Matome explained that littering was a cause of concern in Maun; hence the need to regulate and monitor open spaces and areas used for leisure.

He urged them to join hands with the council to stop illegal dumping as it makes the area unattractive.

In an effort to rectify the situation, he said since they had not formed an association, they expect them to engage a registered cleaning company before a licence could be issued. Artistes were also advised to engage the council first to acquire a permit before they could advertise their events or festivals, pay performers, venues and for other logistics.

Also, they were advised to desist from using lodges/hotels as there were a lot of complaints from the tourists about the noise.

Meanwhile, in effort to address issues of noise, pollution and nuisance at some places, he said the council introduced some interim measures.

The council, he said had declared the places non-liquor drinking areas and erected some notice boards with message, which prohibited liquor drinking, hawking and loud noise.

In a recent interview, council secretary, Charles Amos explained that while waiting for a stakeholder meeting to come up with permanent strategies, they found it fit to intervene hence the temporary measure in place. He said they toured the areas and attest that indeed there was no order.

He stressed that the message in the notice boards was neutral as it does not stop people to visit the area but it aimed to moderate pollution and nuisance and to encourage people to respect the environment. Ends