GCC projects run out of cash
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday June 22, 2016 15:20
Thutlwe said the local authority had limited funds for maintenance and projects including small roads and storm water drainage.
“We managed to carry out some projects in some locations but the little efforts which were dictated for by our financial challenges are over-shadowed by the large stretches of infrastructure that is in a bad state,” the mayor said.
He appealed to the general public “to bear with us as we tirelessly look for financers who can help construct new roads in the city as most roads have reached their design life. We are much aware that the roads are now a risk to road users as motor vehicles can be destroyed by using bad roads. May I call on each and every one of us to exercise extra caution especially in worst affected parts of the city”.
Thutlwe said that for the current financial year, GCC was awarded P14.8 million by the Local Government and Rural Development ministry, sourced from the fuel levy. The funds will be used for various maintenance projects around the city, including the P4.2 million patching of potholes. The funds will also desilt storm water drains and build about 3.45 kilometres of new drains in Extension 5, 12, 21, Blocks 3,5,6 and other areas.
The mayor however took a swipe at the ministry for what he called “Machiavellian tendencies” in its response to his personal appeal for funding at the Office of the President.
“If you recall, I informed the council that I would request funding for internal roads from the Office of the President to augment our low budget. I personally went to the Office of the President to request such funding.
“The Office of the President agreed to our request. To my surprise, the Ministry of Local Government has opted to short circuit and divert some of the funds meant for Gaborone development to other districts. “As the mayor of Gaborone, I represent the development interests of Gaborone, not other districts. I must be on the record. The people of Gaborone have been robbed daylight,” he said.
Thutlwe called on the council to find other ways of financing internal roads, including partnering with the private sector.