26 Sep 2013

The Molepolole development plan, currently under review, proposes to include Mmanoko and Dithubaruba area. Also it seeks to take in Suping as a ward in Molepolole.

Addressing stakeholders in a consultative workshop, Mr Stranger Monareng of Mosienyane and Partners Consultants on September 24 that the main goal of the 18 year plan is to transform the planning area into a well spatially planned and economically vibrant area that is functional, safe, livable and portrays a good image and character. Of key in the proposal, Mr Monareng cited the need to demarcate land that would cater for settlement growth of Molepolole.

He also mentioned that because the village is experiencing urbanisation pressures as a result of increased demands for urban level services, springing up of squatter areas and increase in crimes, the plan seeks to establish an urban edge which will bring out services that match those of urbanised areas.

Furthermore, he said the plan proses an urban design scheme to be prepared for the central Business District as well as development of a government enclave. Still on the plan, Dithubaruba heritage site is designated as a tourism development zone.

While Molepolole built-up area is characterised by ill-defined narrow and winding access road network, which does not facilitate easy circulation and provision of infrastructure services, it has been proposed that the Molepolole-Gaborone main road should be developed to become an activity corridor with activity nodes, adding that it can be achieved by dualisation of Gaborone-Molepolole road that passes through the village with signalisation of major intersections on the road. Generally he said there must be improvements to the internal road network.

Mr Monare further highlighted that agriculture, agro-business, tourism and eco-tourism have been identified as sectors that can enable economic growth in the planning area. Nevertheless, he said, there is need to embark on intensification and sustained effort to market the area as a regional tourism hub. He noted that the possibility of using the underutilised Prisons and Forestry plantation plots for settlement developments should be explored.

Highlighting some of the identified planning issues, he mentioned that Molepolole has been transformed into a dormitory settlement for urban workers in Gaborone. While they live in Molepolole, they shop mainly in Gaborone, thus not ploughing enough cash into Molepolole’s local economy.

Also he said the village is characterised by low density and dispersed development pattern and large plot sizes leading to settlement sprawl, cost inefficiency in infrastructure provision, underutilisation of land and settlement encroachment into agricultural land.

Moreover, some areas, particularly the eastern parts of the village have high water table resulting in water seepage out of the soils, which affects building structures. However, stakeholders complained that the plan took too long to materialise while the village is still under developed despite the fact that it is by far the largest village in the country.

Mr Edison Ramonkga, a local business man said the unavailability of the plan has led to chaotic situations where some developments went terribly wrong.The village leadership pleaded with the consultants to make sure grave yards and heritage sites are protected.

The revised plan if adopted will go for the final stage.Molepolole planning area lies within the South Eastern planning region of Botswana and falls within Kweneng District. It covers an area of 360 km2.

The current development plan was first prepared in 1995, since then, the physical, economic and environmental conditions on which the plan’s proposals were based have changed hence the necessity for the review and preparation of a new plan. ENDS