Concern over traffic congestion at Francistown stadium
Oageng Batenegi | Tuesday November 22, 2016 16:44
Moswaane told Parliament that the situation is worse when there are high profile matches.
Moswaane asked the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Frans van der Westhuizen if his ministry would consider developing and expanding the road to address the situation. Moswaane wanted the minister to tell Parliament exactly when the project will commence if the ministry has plans to upgrade the road.
The junior minister said he was aware of the situation, adding that the road forms part of internal road network in Francistown, which has been earmarked for expansion into a dual carriageway system. “The other roads included in the expansion programme are Marang, Kazungula Drive, Guy Street, New Bridge and Boipuso road,” van der Westhuizen informed Parliament.
“The design for expansion of these roads was completed in 2009. However, due to budgetary constraints the construction works were deferred. Currently, there are no plans to construct the road as the project was deferred,” said van der Westhuizen.
Moswaane raised the issue at a time when fans and other stakeholders have previously expressed frustration at the traffic congestion. The national team, the Zebras, has enjoyed a lot of success at the new stadium. Even some high profile elite league games have attracted a large following at the 26,500-seater stadium which was officially opened in August 2015. A record crowd of 26,262 attended the match between the Zebras and Mali last year.