Vision 2016 commemorations boost Phikwe hospitality industry

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Thursday August 30, 2012 00:00

 

The copper mining town is normally quiet, but accommodation and entertainment establishments are making a killing as people from different parts of the country arrive for the Vision 2016 commemorations that will be hosted by Bobirwa sub-district.

A Bosele Hotel representative who declined to reveal her name, on Wednesday told Mmegi that some of their customers booked in March. She said the hotel, which has 52 rooms is now fully booked. She added that business normally fluctuates and it is difficult to pinpoint their peak season. She also said normally their customers are both from the private sector and government departments.

 An employee at Phokoje Lodge said they were also fully booked. She explained that some people who wanted to book accommodation this week left disappointed because all rooms are unavailable until Sunday.  She said that some people who will be attending the commemorations had no choice but book accommodation in Palapye and Francistown.

She pointed out that events of this magnitude are welcome in the region as they bring in lots of business.  Meanwhile, Selebi-Phikwe Police Station commander Superintendent Victor Nlebesi said they have everything in place for the weekend. 

He said that since many people will be converging in Robelela, they have increased the number of police officers patroling the village. 'We will also have road blocks along the Mmadinare-Robelela road. It is a gravel road and it can be very dangerous especially when someone is not used to driving on it.

'I urge drivers to be careful because the road is slippery. The speed limit on that road is 80 kilometers per hour and if they abide by it, accidents will be avoided,' Nlebesi said.