27 Aug 2019

Gaborone City Council (GCC) has embarked on a Clean up the City Campaign.

The GCC Chief public relations officer, Ms Segametsi Kebonang said explained in an that the operation which started in July, 11 encompassed restoration of non-functional streetlights in some areas around the city, waste management and clean-up campaign as well as road sweeping, clearing and de-bushing.

Ms Kebonang stated that waste management was a challenge in the city, and in response GCC conducted a clean-up campaign on seven areas around the city, that were heavily littered to bring them to acceptable standards of cleanliness.

She mentioned areas such Old Naledi, Extension 20, Extension 16, Bus Rank and the surroundings areas, Block 7, Block 3, and Phase 4. 

She said the initiative would be rolled out to other areas, adding that litter was being successfully picked and the impact was visible.

Ms Kebonang pointed out that vendors and other businesses that contribute heavily on littering in the city were also educated on proper waste management technics that could work for their businesses to enhance environmental cleanliness.

She indicated that the exercise was done by the public health department in conjunction with byelaw department that would later make a follow up to ensure compliance. 

She said areas covered included; Block 7, Broadhurst industrial, University of Botswana, and the Bus rank.

She further stated that the operation also enforced the available environmental policies.

Ms Kebonang stated that communication was also made to all businesses trading within Gaborone district and all schools requesting them to promote environmental cleanliness of the premises and surroundings in order to adhere to Waste Management Act and The Public Health Act.

She said council engaged two private companies to assist in collection of builders rubble dumped in open spaces in Block 8, CBD, Bontleng, Nelson Mandela Road and Phase 1, further stating that a tender would be floated in the near future to expand coverage.

Ms Kebonang explained that in terms of non-functional streetlights, considerable progress had been made at the Princess Marina roundabout through the restoration of the floodlight, and lighting up of streetlights, covering Phakalane, Gaborone Central and Block 7.

Furthermore she indicated that council also embarked on an intense road sweeping, debris clearing and collection as well as painting of some roads around the Central Business District, the Western By-Pass and Molepolole roads.

She said there was an on-going removal and collection of reeds and grass on drainage system along the Mandela Road up to Airport Junction and the Airport Road.  

Ms Kebonang said council had also noticed some illegal and unicycle signs and removed them.

She further urged owners to consult the council authorities before putting signs or advertising boards as right procedures have to be followed.

Moreover she stated that road signage had also been improved by putting up new signs along the Airport road.

Additionally she said intense de-bushing had been done in Block 7 and Block 8, and therefore urged road users to be on the lookout for workers. 

She pointed out that it was through the de-bushing that the human skull, later confirmed to be that of the late Elizabeth Kerekang was discovered.

She said the de-bushing also contributed to safety, as people would feel safe to pass in open spaces, with the possibility of being attacked minimal. Ends