11 Dec 2013

In an endeavor to address the problem of shortage of power, Gaborone City Council (GCC) has installed six power back-up units at the six major traffic junctions in the city.

These are the Airport junction, Molapo Crossing, Nyerere/Willie Seboni/ Bull & Bush, Orapa House, Molepolole /New Lobatse Road (fire) and Kudumatse/New Lobatse road at the Nokia junction. Addressing the last ordinary session of the GCC full council meeting Tuesday, December 10, Mayor, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa said these junctions now operate even when there is no power from the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).

He said this is in response to the constant power outages which render traffic lights ineffective.

Furthermore, the Mayor explained that plans are at an advanced stage to install LED outdoor full colour electronic billboards at six corridors coming into Gaborone displaying messages that portray Gaborone as a diamond city.

Mr Nkaigwa said the locations for the billboards are A1 road after Game City, Kudumatse road near Tloga Tloga traffic junction, Molepolole junction near GIPS, Airport road, A1 road near Phakalane traffic junction and at Tlokweng road near the River Walk mall.

He stated that the design-drawing and tender documents have been completed and the project is waiting disbursement of funds from the ministry. He said it is pity that even this financial year, the council has no budget provision for development projects. However, during the recent year end project review exercise, the Council submitted its budget proposal for next year and hope that they will be funded.

“Mostly, we submitted projects that are aimed at making Gaborone more receptive to the relocation of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) London to Gaborone. Such projects include procurement of fire engines and refurbishment of the Civic Centre, just to mention a few.

Furthermore, and in readiness for the relocation, Mr Nkaigwa said the private sector has to be brought on board to play a meaningful role in turning Gaborone into a diamond city as this should not be taken to be a closed business for certain individuals or groups.

Mr Nkaigwa said through the ministry of Lands and Housing, GCC had proposed to upgrade the Central Business District (CBD) as well as the Gaborone CBD bridge and that funding for such projects will depend on the performance of the economy. On other issues, the mayor raised a concern about the increasing number of stray animals particularly cattle in the city, saying between October and November 2013, GCC impounded about 800 herds of livestock.

He said in order to curb this, GCC has engaged a total of 22 temporary employees to assist the council herdsmen in impounding and looking after such livestock. In addition, two additional vehicles and two drivers have been engaged to transport officers who will be supervising and monitoring these employees with Gaborone having been divided into three areas, each area being manned by two herdsmen, six temporary employees and one officer.

The mayor also commended parliamentarians for adopting a motion advocating for political party funding because democracy is a very expensive exercise and that therefore, this will help in the promotion of democracy in the country. ENDS