25 Apr 2016

Implementation of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) in Lobatse has started in earnest, according to the mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger.

Addressing Lobatse Town Council meeting on Thursday, Ms Kruger said construction of a classroom block and two toilet blocks at Botlhakga Primary School had started.

She stated that preparations for construction of Ministry of Health staff houses had also started with contractors having submitted their expression of interest.

On the water supply situation in the town, the mayor said Lobatse was currently supplied with water from Gaborone Dam, which was at 19.2 per cent. 

She said the dam was anticipated to be able to supply for the next eight months without inflow.

Nnywane Dam, Ms Kruger said, supplied 10 per cent of Lobatse demand. She said the town’s water supply situation was stabilising since the recent rains.

However, she said water restrictions were still in force urging members to continue encouraging the community to use water sparingly.

As Botswana celebrates its 50th independence anniversary this year, Ms Kruger encouraged all to put Botswana first in everything they did.

She indicated that the independence celebrations would be a way of reflecting on Botswana’s achievements since the attainment of independence in 1966.

She said the celebrations were also a way of enhancing patriotism, national identity, unity and pride.

In line with the celebrations, she said the town had already held a number of activities such as culture day, Radio Botswana 50th anniversary. Going forward, she said, the town would be commemorating Vision 2016 pillars on monthly basis.

Ms Kruger encouraged councillors to be in the forefront to spearhead community involvement in these preparations.

In the same manner, as this year also marks 50 years of public service, the year also has massive celebrations by public servants and Lobatse already had a number of buildup activities such as theme celebrations and ball sports competitions.

Retired public servants would be honoured for the contributions they made in the past 50 years.

On environmental health issues, Ms Kruger said the council had advertised for refuse collection and disposal services in institutional houses, adding that it was anticipated that works under the new service contracts would start by the beginning of May.

She was adamant that outsourcing of refuse collection service initiative would not only go a long way in driving the spirit of ownership for sustainable environmental cleanliness, but it would also help to drive empowerment initiative.

She indicated that the council continued to manage clinical waste though there were some challenges encountered such as the continuous breakdown of the incinerator.

 The maintenance works resulting from these breakdowns, she said, had proven to be costly.

She said they were exploring the possibility of finding funds to purchase an additional incinerator of a more efficient operation capacity.ENDS