28 Aug 2013

Francistown city councillors have passed a motion requesting government to establish a company jointly owned by mining investors and government to monitor operations and guard against corrupt practices.


The motion was tabled by Monarch south councillor, Mr Mokwaledi Moswaane on August 27 during the full council meeting.



He said the motion would work in the best interest of Batswana because when looking at the situation of gold in Francistown, there was no record of how much was mined.

 Cllr Moswaane said it will assist government to play an influential role that would positively impact on Francistown dwellers.



He stated that companies which were engaged in Francistown mines were influenced, therefore if they wanted to retrench workers they did not consult government.

 Councillor for Government camp, Mr Albert Mosojane who also supported the motion said the way mines were operating in Francistown was frustrating because their input in the city and lives of people could not be felt.



Councillor for Ikageng, Mr Tabengwa Tabengwa said the company would assist government to know the output of minerals mined as there would be figures and records in place. 



He said perpetrators, who were caught recently selling gold along South Africa border line might have got it from one of the mines in Francistown, saying the establishment of the company will monitor movement of minerals between mines and the country.



Furthermore, Cllr Tabengwa said if the situation was not addressed before the period of mining end, the city will remain poor.



Meanwhile, councillor for Donga Mr Bernard Mpotokwane said the motion will not take the city anywhere because the country has already signed contract with the companies operating in the mines. Ends