04 Jul 2018

The decline in crime situation in Lobatse Township can be attributed to concerted efforts of community policing, daily patrols and intensified public education, Lobatse town mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger has said. 

Addressing the full council meeting held recently, she said the district recorded an overall performance of seven percent decrease in corporate offenses, a total of 39 cases recorded against 42 recorded same quarter last year. 

She said for the violent and serious offenses, the town also recorded a 29 per cent decrease whereby 24 cases were recorded against 34 cases recorded same quarter last year. 

On environmental health, Ms Kruger said government had taken a decision to ban the use of plastic bags in Botswana as from November 1, adding that no local companies would manufacture plastic bags for local consumption, but rather for export only. She said it was imperative for councillors to mobilise the community towards the initiative.

Ms Kruger said associated penalties for contravening the Act ranges from confiscation of the consignment on first offense and a fine not exceeding P5 000 or face imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both upon repeated breaches.

She said preparations for Districts Clean-Up Campaign Competitions for 2018 had commenced and the event would be hosted by Central District Council in September at a date yet to be confirmed. 

Ms Kruger said the theme for this year’s National Clean Up the world Commemoration is “Beat plastic pollution - if you can’t reuse it, refuse it”. 

She said the theme highlighted the importance of the ban on plastic use in Botswana. 

In an attempt to promote school health, she said the cleanest school competition, which had been optional at local level over the years had now been included to compete at national level.  

Following the annual assessments of all government institutions performance, the Lobatse Town Council has attained position three in all the local authorities in Botswana. ENDS