25 Jun 2024

Out of the 62 Day care centres providing Early Childhood Care and Education services in Francistown, only 24 are licensed.

This was revealed by the Mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo when addressing Francistown full council on Monday.

Mr Radisigo expressed deep concern over the issue, saying that the safety of children was compromised.

He highlighted that such operations were in violation of the Early Childhood Care and Education Policy of 2001 and Council Bye Laws.

He therefore, urged all councillors to advocate for enrolling children at licensed day care centres and shared that the council embarked on regular inspections  to encourage the registration of these centres.

He also mentioned plans to shut down illegal operations soon to address non-compliance.

Mr Radisigo then encouraged all day care centre operators to ensure that they license their centres to avoid closure.

He applauded those centres who have put their passion for Early Childhood Care & Education at the forefront by registering their schools and ensuring the provision of education was continued in safe environments.

Meanwhile, Mr Radisigo said Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) strived to foster and endorse growth by promoting local manufacturers and producers of goods and services aimed at reduction of the import bill.

He said for the financial year 2023/2024 a total revenue of P29 954 816 was recorded as value of products targeting import substitution.

Mr Radisigo also noted that LEA had been mandated to implement the Chema Chema Fund in conjunction with the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA).

He said since the commencement of the fund on April 8, a total of 6 994 applications were received by the Francistown office and a total of 1 458 applications were approved.

He said as part of the fund process, informal sector businesses were required to undergo a two- day basic record keeping training.

Mr Radisigo said the total number of those trained stood at 5 657 with training ongoing at various sites.

Moreover, he encouraged the informal sector businesses to apply for the Chema Chema programme, as 70 per cent of the applicants were start-ups while existing businesses stood at 30 per cent.

Mr Radisigo also implored councillors to spread the message and encourage people to take up government initiatives to better their lives.

He also informed councillors that the rehabilitation of Tati River has commenced, facilitated by funding for Community Based Organisations under National Environmental Fund, with a disbursement amounting to P997 953.

Mr Radisigo underscored that the river revitalisation was a long process that required both cooperation and determination and through the assistance of different development partners the council would realise progress over time.

On the other hand, he said the Department of Road Transport Services  had an online service which customers all over the country could access to renew their road licenses at the comfort of their homes.

This, he said  had helped to reduce long queues and unnecessary delay when renewing road licenses.

Mr Radisigo also announced that Francistown Vehicle Testing Station has commenced its project called the Intelligent Driver Testing System (IDTS) which was an automated practical testing system for class B.

He said the automation of driver practical tests was meant to reduce customer complaints by reducing the human element from testing.

On matters of land development, he said the council planned to advertise undeveloped residential plots to ensure compliance with the development covenant. Mr Radisigo called upon citizens to assist in identifying and sensitising owners of such plots to avoid illegal activities and potential repossession.ENDS