05 Feb 2025

The state of infrastructure across Selemela Ward in Extension 4 has become a growing concern, with the Ward Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kelebogile Paul, raising alarm over deteriorating roads, non-functional street lights, and a lack of recreational facilities for the youth.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana in his Gaborone South constituency, Mr Paul highlighted several pressing issues affecting the community.

“The roads are in a terrible state. There are more patches than the road itself, and it is becoming increasingly dangerous for residents,” he said.

Mr Paul said the problem of potholes had worsened over time. He said the aging infrastructure was not only inconvenient but a serious hazard for motorists and pedestrians. He also raised concern about the prolonged outage of streetlights across the ward.

He pointed that the lack of proper street lighting was creating an unsafe environment, with thieves taking advantage of the darkness to operate freely.

“The streets are dim, and this is putting people’s lives at risk,” he said, calling for immediate action to restore the lights.

He suggested a more sustainable solution by recommending the installation of solar-powered streetlights, citing frequent theft of the cables used for conventional lighting systems.

“Solar lights would be more reliable and cost-effective in the long term,” he said.

Mr Paul also highlighted the lack of recreational activities for the youth in the ward. He expressed concern that without structured activities, many young people have resorted to roaming the streets, which could lead to undesirable behaviour such as drug use and petty theft.

“In the past, we had boxing clubs and ping pong activities that kept us engaged and out of trouble. We need to bring back those activities to provide positive outlets for our youth,” he said.

Mr Paul called on the MP to help secure modern grass-cutting equipment for the area.

“Using a slasher is time-consuming and exhausting, especially under the hot sun. With modern machinery, the job would be done more efficiently,” he said.

Ms Mogatsemasole Salepito, another resident, complained about lack of coordination between the various government departments.

“In the past, we had an extension team that worked together with health officials, teachers, and other government personnel to support the community. Now, there is no clear communication or coordination, and we often do not know what is happening with our nurses or other essential services,” she said.

She called for the revival of the team, which, she noted, was crucial for quick response to community needs. Ms Salepito also raised the issue of building rubble being illegally dumped in culverts and other public spaces, primarily at night by unregulated builders.
She called for stronger measures to address that environmental hazard.

For his part, Mr Ramaotwana updated the residents on recent parliamentary activities, including the passage of six motions. Mr Ramaotwana explained that the deteriorating infrastructure was due to the natural lifespan of the roads, many of which were long overdue for repairs.

“Unfortunately, there are insufficient funds at the moment to reconstruct the roads, but we are hopeful that as the economic situation improves, these issues will be addressed,” he said.

Mr Ramaotwana agreed with the need for recreational spaces, emphasising that such facilities were crucial not only for the youth but for the mental health of all residents.

“Recreational areas promote community well-being and are necessary for everyone, young and old,” he said.

The ward’s councillor, Mr Ishmael Koko, echoed similar sentiments, noting that while roads take about 20 years to reach the point of reconstruction, maintenance would continue as funds allow. ENDS