02 May 2022

Plans are afoot to improve storm water drainage in the Francistown South constituency.

The area MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi stated in a kgotla meeting at Ipopeng ward on Thursday,  that P7.4 million from the constituency fund would be used for the project, which would be implemented in phases.

Mr Mmolotsi said the Francistown storm water drainage system was a serious problem that needed immediate attention.

He said Francistown City Council had in the past come up with a storm water drainage master plan to address the situation, but the project could not be undertaken due to lack of funds.

He said earmarked projects would have to be shelved because the government was running on a budget deficit of P6.8 billion, and that the inflation rate had risen to 8.7 per cent, for the first time in the history of Botswana, while foreign reserves were depleted as a result of the  COVID-19 pandemic.   

On other issues, the MP informed the residents that upgrading of the Semotswane-Mmandunyane-Borolong-Chadibe and Mathangwane road to bitumen standard would ease traffic congestion for motorists heading north, adding that the road would also act as a by-pass for those who did not want to pass through Francistown.

Mr Mmolotsi added that the Thalamabele-Mosu, Nata-Maun, and the Francistown-Nata and Sehithwa-Mohembo roads would be implemented as public private partnerships.

On other issues, he encouraged residents to familiarise themselves with government policies and programmes, especially the revamped ISPAAD, which he said comes with new benefits such as borehole equipping and electricity connection to fields that would be managed by the National Development Bank (NDB) at reduced interest on loans to farmers. 

He said it was hoped that the programme would facilitate commercialisation of farming in Botswana.

He also briefed the residents about the restructuring of government ministries, which was done to align them with President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda.

He appealed to residents to attend the Presidential Commission of inquiry into the review of the Constitution of Botswana meetings and contribute.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Gannie Moses accused parents of fueling indiscipline of their children by failing to reprimand them.

Francistown District Commissioner, Ms Chabongwa Matseka also underscored the importance of discipline in the community, saying poverty and unemployment should not be used as  scapegoats for misbehaving and engaging in criminal activities by young people.

Ms Matseka advised the residents to find other means of making a living such as ploughing their fields and not shun manual work, which was readily available in the market.

Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairperson, Ms Patricia Gasemotse thanked government for the installation of two tower lights at Block 7 and8, saying they were helpful in the fight against crime.

She said WDC offices were nearing completion and that office furniture had already been procured.

Ms Gasemotse also accused Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) of not responding to leak reports on time, which led to wastage of water.

Meanwhile, residents complained about high water bills and indiscipline amongst young people and called on government to lend a helping hand. BOPA