22 Jul 2019

Maun Administrative Authority senior assistant council secretary Ms Mogomotsi Seemule has dismissed reports that the council has been harassing small entrepreneurs trading in the old shopping mall.

Ms Seemule explained in an interview that the council engaged the entrepreneurs on issues of maintaining a clean environment including removing their belongings on knocking off.

Small business operators have  accused council officials of  closing down their businesses by implementing bye-laws which disadvantaged them.

They expressed appreciation for  the regulations in place but appealed for leniency.

They requested that they be allowed to pack their belongings properly when knocking off arguing that it was costly to take them home and back on a daily basis.

However, Ms Seemule raised concern about the state of cleanliness in the shopping complex and its surroundings.

The council, she said, had embarked on a campaign in an effort to promote environmental cleanliness and upkeep hence the engagement of small entrepreneurs.

The campaign includes the ongoing cutting of trees and cleaning of roads and pavements to ensure an attractive environment.

“As council, we prioritise cleanliness because we want it to give first impression about Maun,” she added.

She stressed that cleanliness was an integral element of good living and health.

Recently, the council started mobilisation and establishment of village/ward upkeep committees in various villages, in recognition of the fact that the local community was a resource that needed to be nurtured.

Ms Seemule said the intention was to extend the cleanliness campaign to other villages.

Meanwhile, North West District council chairperson, Mr Duncan Enga recently expressed concern about the untidiness of the village when delivering a speech at the just-ended full council.

He lamented that the district was not doing well in terms of environmental cleanliness and upkeep. Mr Enga said environmental protection could only be realised through stakeholder involvement and commitment on issues of environmental management.

He pointed out that the district was a tourist destination and as such it was imperative that all were responsible in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

He urged all stakeholders to raise their voices and discourage littering and illegal dumping of waste as it impacted negatively on flora and fauna.

All individuals were also encouraged to take the responsibility and be at the forefront for safe keeping and disposal of the waste they generated.

He also pleaded with communities to support village/ward upkeep committees to achieve the intended goals.ENDS