03 Mar 2015

Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) tourism development manager, Mr Monkganedi Ntana has said that Phase one of the Kasane face-lift will commence with the painting of roughly 90 houses along the President Avenue Street in Kasane. 

Speaking during a consultation meeting at the Kasane central kgotla recently, Mr Ntana said the face-lift, which has been made possible courtesy of Dulux by volunteering to paint all the houses, would start from the Kasane Airport up until Mowana Lodge. 

“Each homestead will choose their preferred colour from the four paints provided,” he explained.

He further mentioned that 12 students from the Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) training programme will be absorbed into the project.

Mr Ntana said the face-lift would also have a major role in attracting tourists. However, residents were hesitant to accept the development. On resident, Mr Robert Mabuta said that the initiative came on short notice as it had to be done before the visit of the Heads of State scheduled for March 23.

He said the modern method of painting houses would affect the traces of culture that many Veekuhane homes have.  “Many use the river reed to decorate their domestic and commercial structures because they attract tourists,” he noted. Another resident, Mr Bobby Setlhare asked whether the process termed, Phase 1, is being done in preparation for the Heads of State visit or for the long term face-lift of the tourist town.

Chobe district commissioner, Dr Temba Mmusi added that no one will have their house painted without consent. 

“The government believes in puso ya batho ka batho. We are here not to impose but to get feedback and suggestions on how this could benefit all of us,” he noted.  In response, Mr Ntana said the face-lift would assist in the preparations for the Heads of State visit and it will continue even after they have left.  ENDS