Africa-Press – Botswana. Gaborone City councillors have passed a proposed schedule of projects for possible implementation under the Urban Development Plan 5 (UDP5) and National Development Plan 12(NDP12).
Presenting the schedule of proposed projects before a special full council meeting on Monday, the Chief Development Planning Officer, Mr Molebogi Ramatlhare said the projects were focused on among others, sustainable economic development and establishing a modern city that would appeal to the global community.
Mr Ramatlhare said the proposed projects for the Gaborone Local District Authority were initiated through consultative forums with all stakeholders, which included members of the community.
He said the thematic areas focused on addressing among others traffic congestion, improvement of road networks, health, recreational and education facilities.
In an effort to address the current traffic jam during peak hours, Mr Ramatlhare said there was a proposal to construct pay parking facilities with controlled access including charge office and tollgates. Another proposal was to eliminate rail level crossings within the city as they were among the points where traffic tended to move at a snail’s pace causing congestion. “Overhead roads on major roads are necessary to improve traffic flow,” he said.
Following flood in February, he said the Gaborone road network was one of the infrastructures that were affected, therefore calling for urgent attention.
Mr Ramatlhare said most of the city internal roads required upgrading or reconstruction.
Mr Ramatlhare further said the city was working on catering for other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and those doing physical training.
He said the current design of the city’s internal roads did not cater for pedestrians and it was necessary to construct walkways, and cycling lanes, including pedestrian bridges at strategic areas.
He also said they were considering the re-introduction of light rail public transport system.
In the past, he there was the rail transport service catering for commuters from Lobatse and Pilane.
In addition, he said the council had proposed the construction of a unified secondary school in Block 10 and increase classroom blocks in existing schools.
He further said there was a proposal to have a rehabilitation facility and other support systems for drug addicts and all the other people in need of rehabilitation of any kind. As the country is working hard on improving its posture in the global family by hosting major and international events, Mr Ramatlhare said there was a need to establish modern sporting stadia to host international sports competitions and a state of the art auditorium to cater for indoor events and sports.
Commenting on the proposed projects, councillor Tshenolo Palai of Diphetogo Ward said a rehabilitation centre was a necessary development as there were many cases of depression.
Cllr Palai also said the plan must also to cater for an old-age home, as it would provide the elderly with the necessary care.
“Home-based care patients also require a facility of some sort,” he said. Mr Palai also added that the plan must prioritise the development and expansion of the current rank as it was congested as it catered for long distances buses, local public transport such as mini buses and taxis.
Nominated councillor Malatsi Mokhubami said digitisation of some services such as pay system by the council would improve service delivery and access to services. Mr Mokhubami added that such a development would only be possible with improved access to internet services.
Therefore, he said accessing fast and reliable Wi-Fi at most of the public areas or at the convenience of Gaborone residents would make timely and quality service delivery possible.
Independent councillor of Morula Ward, Mr Mmusi Gulubane appreciated that some of the proposed projects advocated for a safer city, reduced traffic congestion and green environment.
As such, Cllr Gulubane said even though the influx of imported used vehicles commonly known as ‘fongkongs’ was a welcome development, he was of the view that something must be done to reduce their importation.
“I believe they have played their part. It is high time we do something to control their import,” he said.
Even though affordable to acquire, Mr Gulubane said their high maintenance cost might be taking much of the little income that their owners had.
Source: dailynews
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
