07 Apr 2013

 Residents of Bluetown in Francistown have asked government to utilise the old Tati Town Primary School buildings before they become a haven for criminals.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by their Member of Parliament, Mr Tshelang Masisi on April 4, residents said they had been promised that after construction of the new primary school, the old buildings would be used for other activities.

Residents suggested that the old school buildings could be turned into a cultural or historical site, noting that people have started stealing window and door frames as well as roofing.

One resident, Ms Masego Mokgatle said they thought the buildings would be turned into a youth centre, to be utilised by the unemployed youth.

She further suggested that the buildings could be refurbished to accommodate Back to School students. She added that utilising the buildings for the programme would also  assist the elderly who could be ashamed to attend classes with young people.

Sharing Ms Mokgatle’s sentiments, Mr Thotolego Seeletso said the buildings were now used by the youth to smoke dagga, adding that it would not be long before the buildings become a crime hub.

Another resident, Mr Oarabile Phemelo complained about congestions at Tati Town Post Office during pensioners’ pay day, urging the government to consider building another post office in the area to address the issue.

Responding to residents requests and suggestions, Mr Masisi said because of the current financial constraints, there would be no new projects this financial year.

He noted that Tati Town was better off as compared to Gerald Estates which had no post office.

He, however, said he would request for the expansion rather than the construction of a new post office.

Regarding the school buildings, he promised to meet with the Francistown City Council and Ward Development Committee (WDC) to map the way forward.

On other issues, MP Masisi informed residents that the Oriental Plaza building would remain closed until some issues were ironed out with the owners.

He also informed them that government was still awaiting a new contractor to complete the new stadium project which was left unfinished by the previous contractor. BOPA