31 Mar 2020

 The Leadership of the City of Francistown has vowed to wage a war against indiscriminate waste disposal that has become an eye-sore and a  health hazard.

They said this during a courtesy call they paid on Botsalano ward residents,  where two boys drowned while trying to swim in one of the nearby burrow-pits recently.

Francistown district commissioner, Ms Chabongwa Matsheka said the state of litter strewn just about everywhere, particularly in the bushy area near Botsalano ward was an ugly-sight.

“As the leadership of the City of Francistown, we had intended to address you on this matter last year, but could not as we had to make way for the general elections,” she said to members of Botsalano WDC, kgosi and the councillor, who formed part of a group that visited the area.

Ms Matsheka said if not addressed immediately, the situation had the potential to scare-away investors from setting up businesses in the second city.

The Mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo said the situation called for residents of Botsalano to join hands with the leadership of the city to fight the indiscriminate disposal of refuse. 

“Your city is dirty, there is litter and construction rubble everywhere. We would therefore like you to help us correct this,” he appealed.

According to Mayor Radisigo, the status quo should be contained more so that some of the perpetrators were known to Botsalano community.

Mr Radisigo, who is also a councillor for Satellite in Francistown said the situation posed a serious health hazard if left unchecked due to the nature of some of the waste.

City Clerk, Mr Lopang Pule echoed the words of both the district commissioner and the Mayor and sent a warning, saying those caught on the wrong side of the law would face the music.

He noted also that the city council would engage in public education on the matter.

He thus challenged Botsalano community to be vigilant and report any suspected case of indiscriminate waste disposal. ends