Gaborone�s world-class facelift

Mmegi Editor | Thursday July 23, 2015 11:47

These are developments we have long called for, not only for the comfort of residents, but also to attract tourists and investors.

 The developments are the beginning of a huge project sponsored by the International Monetary Fund to the tune of P9 billion plus over a 10 year period. The project includes the demolition of traffic circles to replace them with overhead intersections, otherwise known as spaghetti road network with the aim to ease traffic flow in the city and enhance productivity. This is a welcome development that cannot be ignored, looking at the fact that there are 400,000 registered vehicles in Botswana, and the figure goes up everyday due to imports of second hand vehicles from Asia.  Over 50 percent of these vehicles are in the capital city.

What is also very important about this project is that three years ago, the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) relocated some of its operations from London to Gaborone. That process on its own demands that we improve our road infrastructure, air travel, accommodation, as well as Gaborone’s general appearance.

 It is, therefore, commendable that Gaborone City Council (GCC) has finally woken up from the deep slumber and taken to the task.

It’s our hope that this process does not go on indefinitely and that traffic disruptions are limited and occur within reasonable time frames, lest residents curse the much needed developments. Also, just as we construct the world-class internal road network, there should be a plan in place to ensure high maintenance.

In addition to provision of basic infrastructure, the city should also be refurbished. We appreciate the fact that GCC has set aside P15 million to install lights at the Central Business District in the near future.

While doing the general make-up of the capital, it may be time to look into the issue of sanitation and sewerage system. This is critical as it is evident from the stench in the streets that our sewage system has aged and demands a full attention. 

Also, it is time to bring Gaborone to world city status, by installing working and paid public toilets, so when nature calls, we do not scramble for the nearest tree.

Furthermore, we commend mayor Kagiso Thutlwe and the GCC for this project, which we can only hope when it is completed, will elevate Gaborone to world-class city status.

Today’s thought

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

 

– Benjamin Franklin