29 Aug 2021

 In an effort to bring e-services to the people, Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) has entered into partnership with BOFINET for provision of free public Wi-Fi to the community. 

Addressing the ongoing full council meeting on Thursday, the Mayor of SPTC, Mr Lucas Modimana said the council provided the service in line with the digitisation drive led by the Office of the President. He said Wi-Fi would be accessible in the mall area, Selebi Phikwe Hospital and bus rank.

Installation is already complete. Mr Modimana explained that free Wi-Fi for dikgotla would soon be commissioned to augment coverage shortfall in other areas. He implored departments to be well positioned to take advantage of these initiatives to effectively roll out services online, giving as an example submission of building plans by email. Mr Modimana said council would also undertake two major maintenance projects, namely maintenance of staff houses at Botshabelo and Anderson primary schools. 

He informed councilors that sewerage problem might be an issue of the past as Water Utilities Corporation had a budget of P27m to upgrade pump stations and provide sewers. He said the works included construction of 7.5km pipeline to cover in-fills in Western Area and upgrade five pump stations. 

The project, due for completion in 12 months, was at evaluation stage with awarding of contract to be done at the end of August. On other development issues, Mr Modimana updated councilors on the envisaged Selebi Phikwe shopping mall, saying that there was need to involve the private sector in project financing to reduce government expenditure. 

He said plans for re-development of the bus rank and a shopping mall with assistance of an investment partner were concluded and construction would commence soon. Mr Modimana implored members of the community to also rise to the occasion by renovating their properties, adding the mall precinct had to look better with renewed buildings. ends