20 Jul 2023

The City of Genk in Belgium has honoured Satellite North Ward Development Committee (WDC) with a certificate in recognition of the idea of an initiative of a guest house project.

The certificate came with monetary value of about P32 500 to be used for the completion of the guest house that includes six rooms, a dining hall, a reception area, kitchen and laundry room.

The project is aimed at generating income for residents of Satellite North location in Francistown to improve their livelihoods.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the certificate recently, leader of the city of Genk delegation, Mr Toon Vandeurzen commended Satellite WDC for coming up with a project that would add value to the community.

However, he advised the committee to apply for operation license as soon as possible for the guest house to start generating income.

Mr Vandeurzen said tourism projects such as a guest house had quick returns because of the high volume of travellers, especially in Africa. 

He advised the committee to put allocated money to good use in order to complete the project.

Speaking at the same event, MP for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it would go a long way in uplifting the living standard of residents of Satellite North.

He said after completion, the project would have appositive impact on the lives of the residents of Satellite North, adding that the twinning agreement between the City of Francistown and that of Genk was beneficial.

Mr Billy, who is also the assistant minster of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture appealed to the city of Genk to adopt one of the local football teams in order for players to gain experience.

He explained that Francistown had many football teams, but lack of sponsorship was a serious challenge.

“We have talent here in Francistown but we are unable to grow it because of lack of sponsors to take players to a higher level,” he added.

For his part, the mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo said the guest house project would create employment for residents of Satellite North, especially the youth.

He further said Francistown was strategically located for tourism destination, adding that tourists on transit to the north would book for sleep-over accommodation at the guest house.

Giving an overview of the project, WDC chairperson, Ms Patricia Maponda told the delegation that the project started in 2019, but was disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19.

She said the committee intended to build a boundary wall but the major challenge was lack of funds.

She said there was also need for bedding, paving the yard as well as construction of a ramp for people with disabilities.

“We also want to have a fire assembly point for emergencies and also improve our parking lot,” she disclosed.

The City of Francistown signed a twinning agreement with the city of Genk in Belgium in 2014 and ever since then the two cities have enjoyed a cordial working relationship to improve the living standards of their people. Ends