Africa-Press – Botswana. Government recognises informal sector’s role in reducing unemployment and abject poverty.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P1.5 million 14 market stall units in Ghanzi on August 18, area MP, Mr Noah Salakae said that informal sector contributed to the economy, hence the need to establish decent structures.
These structures, he said, would help businesses to be more productive and ultimately grow the economy.
Mr Salakae, who is also the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, applauded collaboration between Ghanzi District council and Sandfire Motheo Copper Mine to build market stalls, which he said, created a safe and secured spaces for informal traders
He said government was faced with fiscal challenges, which might result in delayed service delivery.
Therefore, the MP implored private sector to assist where possible, to revitalise the informal sector.
Mr Salakae shared with residents the plan to turn Ghanzi into a city, emphasising that the township would need financial assistance for developments such as streetlights electrification and completion of the district stadium.
Head of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at Sandfire Motheo Copper Mine, Mr Phologo Gaumakwe, said the company was committed to developing and changing the lives of people in the area of their jurisdiction.
Mr Gaumakwe said the market stalls project would be constructed in three phases.
Presently, he said the tender had been awarded to Mabeloingries contractor and was expected to be completed within a period of three months.
In an effort to empower women, Mr Gaumakwe said the tender has been awarded to a female contractor to boost women in a male dominated field.
In addition, he said the stalls would add in aesthetics to the shopping complex to attract tourists.
Kgosi Annah Rankho, called for community active participation on district’s projects saying it would foster ownership as well as increased knowledge on the economic benefits of such projects.
In his remarks, Ghanzi District Council Chairperson, Mr Thabiso Kebadile, commended Sandfire Motheo Copper Mine for its gesture to provide decent and safe shelters for the informal sector.
He implored street vendors to utilise stalls for good benefit and desist from embarking on selling illicit drugs. Mr Kebadile said that bye-law enforcement officers would exercise full responsibilities to ensure compliance.
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