01 Sep 2019

Francistown city councillors have raised concerns about some facilities around the city which have not been maintained for a long time.

Speaking during the full council meeting recently, councillors said though the mayor’s speech showed some remarkable achievements, some projects were still behind schedule and no answers were given as to why it was like that.

Specially elected councillor Mr Zazambi Tuelo expressed concern that the maintenance of the street lights which were long reported to the council had not been done and that no explanation had been given as well.

He said motions raised in council were not implemented, especially those relating to the youth, adding that this denied the youth a chance to benefit from the programmes meant for them.

“Lack of implementation of motions is still a major problem, especially those relating to the youth and the council tends to refuse to sponsor the youth to pursue their projects”, he said.

Furthermore, he said pothole patching work was of poor quality. 

Councillor Tuelo, however, appreciated the private sector for their contribution in the development of the City of Francistown.

Another specially elected Councillor Mr Peter Ngoma said the water drainage master plan had failed due to lack of funding from the central government.

Cllr Ngoma also said the council’s input in the Francistown/Tonota road was inadequate.

He also wanted to know which new projects had the council implemented during the five years.

Councillor for Phillip Matante East, Mr Shadreck Nyeku said the relationship between the council and Water Utilities Corporation was worrisome regarding continuous water leakages in the city.

“Whenever we call them to attend to water leakages they take time to respond”, he said.

 He said resurfaced roads were not in good condition due to poor workmanship.

Cllr Nyeku further expressed disappointment that the council’s support for Tafic Sporting club   was not enough.

“During the fundraising activity organised by Tafic sporting club, the council failed to show its support to the team despite the club’s progress of getting a promotion”, he added.

However, Councillor Lesego Kwambala of Itekeng ward expressed his gratitude towards the achievements of the council during its five years.

Cllr Kwambala said in terms of academic performance, Francistown schools were doing much better than  before.

He said another achievement was allowing the informal sectors to thrive in the city. ENDS