07 Jul 2025

Government plans to construct a second hospital in Francistown to address the growing healthcare needs of the second city’s expanding population.

President Advocate Duma Boko thus announced at a kgotla meeting in Francistown recently, emphasising that the new facility would serve to alleviate pressure on Nyangabgwe, which currently functions as the primary referral centre in the northern part of Botswana. The proposed hospital is expected to feature 300 beds and will be equipped with modern medical technology, making it a state-of-the-art healthcare facility. President Boko assured residents that the chronic shortage of medicines in health facilities would be addressed through new strategies and modalities being developed by his administration.

In addition to the healthcare project, President Boko outlined plans for significant infrastructure improvements, including the transformation of the A1 (Ramatlabama - Ramokgwebana) road into a dual carriageway. This development aims to enhance transportation and resilience against natural disasters such as those experienced during last year’s floods. He told the residents that the construction would involve Batswana contractors to promote local empowerment.

President Boko also made significant promises regarding social welfare improvements for Batswana, pledging an increase in the old age pension allowance from P1 400 to P1 800. Additionally, he announced that the Ipelegeng programme allowance would see a substantial rise from P617 to P2 500 and that the Village Development Committee allowance would also reach P2 500.

Furthermore, President Boko emphasised the importance of integrity within the government, urging those in positions of power to refrain from corrupt practices. He highlighted corruption as a critical issue that could hinder development plans for Botswana.

To address crime, which he identified as a major barrier to development, he stated that the Botswana Police Service would be equipped with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance its efforts in combating crime.

In his welcome remarks,  Francistown mayor, Mr Gaone Majere highlighted critical challenges faced by the city, particularly high unemployment rates affecting both youth and adults. He noted that some residents had resorted to desperate measures such as engaging in prostitution to make ends meet. He voiced concerns about a severe shortage of residential plots, mentioning that the last allocation was made in 1992, resulting in a waiting list of over 16 000 individuals.

Furthermore, Mayor Majere called for a strategic initiative similar to the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit to revitalise Francistown’s economy in light of the challenges presented by the closure of the mines in 2011. He also raised alarms about illegal gold mining operations in the area, noting that they posed significant safety risks, particularly due to the dangerous methods employed by foreign miners. The mayor suggested that the government grant licenses to local Batswana to manage the mining activities as a potential solution to the issue.

Umbrella Urban Development Committee chairperson, Ms Oganeditse Keteng commended the progress in Francistown, highlighting developments such as the new mall at Gerald Estate, incubators, a cultural village and community facilities.

However, she acknowledged challenges including inadequate storm water drainage system and poor road maintenance. She urged the government to consider doubling the Community Constituency Project Fund to P20 million, citing its effectiveness in generating quick returns for the communities. ENDS