29 Jun 2023

Francistown Phase IV and Bokamoso Umbrella Development Committees have received over P1.4 million to use in the implement the Tati River rehabilitation project.

Updating a special full council meeting on June 26, Francistown mayor, Mr Godisang Radisigo explained that the intention was to rehabilitate as well as control the growth of reeds within the Tati River and its tributary, Ntshe River systems.

Mr Radisigo added that the other intention was to remove some waste within the river and construct gabions within the severely degraded portions of the river to allow accumulation of sand.

He also informed councillors that the Central Ward Development Committee had been given over P1.8 million for landscaping on the road from Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) traffic lights to Dumela industrial traffic lights covering Kenneth Nkhwa junction.

“The proposed projects comprise planting trees to combat effects of climate change and the project is implemented by Central Ward Development Committee,” he added.

He also stated that the trust for community initiatives had been funded at over P1.4 million for the biogas production project, which was a strategy for reducing global warming and for an alternative reliable source of renewable energy.

He said the project sought to undertake biogas production, and would predominantly use cattle dung as raw material which would reduce the amount of methane entering the atmosphere, thus mitigating global warming.

“Through this project, the beneficiary intends to construct biogas plants covering schools in Francistown,” explained.

He also indicated that Francistown continued to witness growth in the number of events and developments earmarked for the city after the global slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Radisigo stated that the city leadership appreciated the hosting of national events such as marathons, football matches, business seminars and national commemorations which he said boosted economic activity.

“I am particularly looking forward for the commencement of some major projects earmarked for the city such as land servicing of our special economic zone which has been funded under the two-year Transitional National Development Plan,” he added.

He also indicated that the city had embarked on a number of key initiatives to promote economic growth leveraging on land as one of the major asset base.

“The projects have encountered several challenges which we have endeavoured to attend to in order to realise some progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, the mayor also brief councillors on the refurbishment and redevelopment of Old Tatitown Primary School.

He said the council, through the Local Economic Development Committee, had resolved to use the facility as a production centre for small scale traders or operators after termination of contract with a previously identified partner.

Mr Radisigo explained that the assessment of the facility was ongoing and expected to be completed by end of next month, adding that the Department of Environmental Affairs would assist with selection of activities that best suited the area as it was located in an environmentally sensitive area.

The ongoing full council meeting is expected to debate two motions both tabled by Ntshe Ward councillor, Eric Mabengano, to request the council to resolve to demolish illegal kraals at the ward and within Francistown.

The other motion would request council to consider rebranding the City of Francistown Council logo to the one that spoke more to its heritage. ENDS