04 Mar 2025

Tlokweng still experiences a rise in the number of illegal developments, mostly being multi-residential and signboards on the main roads.

Addressing  full counci meeting, chairperson,  Councillor Maipelo Bogatsu said most residents developed their residential plots commonly known as 'one rooms’ without seeking permission from council.

She said where planning permission had been sought, some violated the parameters knowingly as Development Control Code covered them under minor and major variances making it difficult for the council to ensure compliance.

“Furthermore, a public notice was issued in December 2024 for removal of illegal advertisement boards within Tlokweng Planning Area before the February 14 2025. This now calls for the council to embark on the process of removal of all illegal signboards within Tlokweng Planning Area. The exercise will also enhance our district upkeep efforts,” said Cllr Bogatsu.

In other matters, she said the water supply situation under the Tlokweng cluster remained stable, except for the week long interruptions experienced due to the transmission main failure and emergency maintenance works at the two treatment plants of Mmamashia and Gaborone from the February 2 2025.

“The corporation in its mission to ensure reliable water supply, accessibility to water and wastewater services for our communities faces challenges due to the old dilapidated infrastructure and un-serviced areas. Areas such as Letlapeng, Ranfurwa and Maratadiba newly allocated plots remain un-serviced for both potable and wastewater infrastructure, whereas pockets of un-serviced areas under wastewater are also notable at Sefoke and Khollwane wards,” she said.

She said proposals were made during District Development Plan 9 or the National Development Plan 12 submissions for rehabilitation and expansion of both water & wastewater infrastructures for Tlokweng village.

Cllr Bogatsu said the infrastructure development project, if implemented, would alleviate pressure on the existing infrastructure and promotes economic growth through estate management as evidenced by the growing demand for accommodation in the village due to its close proximity to the city.

She said the construction of the 25 kilometres (km) internal roads project was progressing well and was expected to be completed on time, while the progress for part A of the project, which entailed the permanent civil works was at 84 per cent complete against the planned 85 percent.

Councillor  Bogatsu said the contractor had currently surfaced 19.75 km out of the 25 km of the project, while the progress for part B of the project, which entailed electrical works was at 64 per cent complete against the planned 75 percent.

She said the subcontractor had so far installed 339 out of 695 solar streetlights planned for the project and added that the recreational park project had reached practical completion at 96 per cent.

“Snagging is on-going in preparation to hand over the project. This project represents a significant investment in the district, aimed at generating revenue, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and providing quality leisure and entertainment facilities for the community,” she said.

Ms Bogatsu highlighted that the Tlokweng Land Board had embarked on an initiative to verify and correct the waiting list containing 57 420 applications received from the September 10 2015.

She said this was done as an endeavour to address complaints from Batswana regarding the status of their applications in the current list.

Councillor  Bogatsu added that the land board had a further 5 520 applications received during the month of July and August 2022, which prompted the board to suspend receipt of any further new applications. ENDS