However, he said the council still needs to be aggressive in collecting debt, which runs into millions of Pula. He said there are people who cheat their way out of paying debt. As government cuts down expenditure, the debt needs to be collected to finance projects, he said.
He pleaded with councillors to ask those who owe the council to settle their debts adding that the money can be used to improve the lives of other citizens.
He expressed concern over the rate at which some members of the public choose to engage in activities that end up costing the council a lot of money. He particularly talked about the rate at which motorists knock down streetlights.
He added that alcohol abuse in most cases is the cause of these accidents, which end up costing the council a lot of money.
He said the council spends a lot of money putting up streetlights and doing repairs to damage caused by irresponsible behaviour by members of the public. He also conceded that littering is a big problem in the city, especially in areas like Bontleng and Gaborone West Malls. He said people who drink in bars in these areas throw empty cans anywhere and everywhere. They also relieve themselves indiscriminately.
He said the two malls are faced with problems of littering and bad smell as a result of drunkards who choose to urinate anywhere.
He urged councilors to seek solutions to the council’s problems. Keletso Rakhudu seconded the mayor on the issue of vandalism of streetlights.
He said the council should take action against people who vandalise streetlights and other council properties.
He added that the council should collaborate with the police to catch those responsible for damaging council property, and take action against them.
He however said that the council needs to acknowledge its weaknesses.
He said that in some areas, the council is failing to maintain public facilities such as toilets.
He asserted that the council should persuade Parliament to amend some of the outdated by-laws.
