10 Jul 2024

In an effort to attract investor interest and foster economic growth, Francistown is taking strides towards a cleaner environment, ensuring a more attractive cityscape.

Speaking at the one-week city clean-up campaign spearheaded by the Francistown City Council, Francistown District Commissioner, Ms Chabongwa Matseka emphasised the importance of cleanliness in drawing in potential investors. She said the  participation exceeded expectations, with both government and private sectors collaboratively engaging to ensure the city’s tidiness.

Commending the active involvement of the community in the clean-up campaign, Ms Matseka highlighted the significace of maintaining a pristine environment in line with Francistown’s identity as the ‘City of all things precious.’ She stressed the community’s role in sustaining cleanliness and preventing indiscriminate littering, a behaviour that could lead to health hazards and environmental contamination.

While advocating for responsible waste management, Ms Matseka also shed light on the potential economic benefits of recycling materials like cans and bottles, suggesting initiatives such as creating mats from plastic waste to generate income.

Deputy Town Clerk operations, Ms Pedzani Mahama, disclosed that the clean-up campaign was part of the city’s preparations for the upcoming anniversary of the mindset change campaign, which was officially launched by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi last year. Highlighting upcoming cleanliness competitions at various levels, from individual households to entire regions, Ms Mahama emphasised the campaign’s focus on bush clearance, road maintenance, waste collection, and drainage system upkeep.

Despite challenges such as limited resources, Ms Mahama expressed gratitude for the high turnout and success of the campaign, attributing it to the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders rallying together for a cleaner Francistown. ENDS