26 May 2021

Bowasetso park in Moselewapula also known as Phase Two has been described as an opportunity for recreational activities and an economic avenue to street vendors during times when events are staged.

The park, revamped by Debswana to a tune of P4 million, now boasts of courts for 5 aside, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball as well as jogging paved tracks and toilets.

Speaking during the park handover on Tuesday, the Minister for Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs, Ms Anna Mokgethi said even though parks were known to be used for recreational purposes, the outstanding advantage of the said park was that it would give opportunities to vendors as well.

The minister, also the area MP said the park would provide the much-needed market for the exchange of goods and services. 

She said through the various sporting activities catered for, people would be able to relax and re-focus, especially during the uncertain times of COVID-19.

“I wish to thank Debswana for the kind gesture in giving this park a facelift and upgrading it,” she said.

She said the park came at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic, together with other social ills, such as gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse, rape and teenage pregnancies were a concern.

“I pledge to fully articulate for its usage throughout the constituency and outside as we all need human and social development”, she said.

For her part, Debswana managing director, Ms Lynette Armstrong said the park should be able to preserve natural resources and promote quality of life for the people around it.

She further shared that the park used existing plants and features to be more efficient while also enjoyable. 

Ms Armstrong said the donation formed part of a broader commitment by Debswana to advance human and social development in Botswana.

“We are extremely proud of our impactful Corporate Social Investment programme through which we continue to give support to a variety of causes and initiatives in the areas of education, health, enterprise development, sport, youth development, among others,” she said.

She said over the years they had committed an annual budget towards various projects, including sponsorship of the First National Division League, Re Ba Bona Ha, Education Awards projects among others.

In his closing remarks, Gaborone city mayor, Mr Father Maphongo urged councillors to work together in sourcing out financial assistance from the private sector to improve the outlook of the city.

He noted that there were a lot of empty spaces around Gaborone that were due for development. Ends