Market faces demolition, councillors shocked

EDWARD BULE
Correspondent | Friday May 14, 2010 00:00

 

Unconfirmed reports say the demolition is likely to happen in July.  Council sources say there was a meeting on Monday of council officials and tenants at the market where it was announced that the trading cubicles will be destroyed in order to keep pace with the changing face of Francistown. Dozens of tenants will have to construct their own makeshift structures on another plot offered by council, sources say.

The tenants are worried that moving to another plot away from the city centre could destroy their business.

Mayor, Shadreck Nyeku, commented:  'I am shocked to hear this. This is news to me'. Khays Phitshana of Botsalano said: 'I am not aware of this. Ordinarily, no such big undertaking can be made without the councillors' knowledge'. He promised to enquire further.

Former mayor and councilor for Satellite South, Buti Billy, said he also was not aware of the council plan.

He however revealed that 'this is an old issue' adding that indeed a private investor is interested in developing the plot.

Professor Lazarus Tlou of Itekeng expressed shock and indignation. He says that it would be irresponsible to move people without offering a well developed alternative space.