Local architect gives F/town buildings a thumbs down

Barati Mathambo
Correspondent | Wednesday August 29, 2012 00:00

He has squared the blame on what he claims to be poor planning by the Francistown City Council (FCC). In an interview with Mmegi at the Ministry of Lands and Housing Pitso held at Thapama Cresta Hotel this week, Kgosi said the buildings within the city have no link to one another and this makes the city resemble a village.

'As an architect it is depressing to see what is dubbed as the second city looking like this. There are so many buildings in this city that do not reflect planning. Francistown' shabby plan is a cause of embarrassment,' he said.Giving an example, he said the two Haskins buildings on Blue Jacket Street are a stand alone as they have nothing in common with nearby buildings.

He said the height of the two buildings do not fit the area they have been allocated.  'The city lacks planning and as such the council should start by hiring professional town planners and architects who know what they are doing.

Professional town planners should have assessed the area where that building has been erected,' he said. He further said experts such as architects should be consulted to allow for an orientation of buildings as they can re-consider their position and help in the coordination.

Kgosi stated that the other thing that makes the city look shabby is the materials that were used when these buildings were being constructed. He said builders and architects should have the audacity to use energy efficient materials that will enable easy circulation.

'Imagine being in a house which has poor energy efficiency, which will make it very hot in summer and too cold in winter. Professionalism is required at this juncture so that the buildings can be related,' said Kgosi.The architect said the city planners have poor decision-making as such, FCC should utilise the currently reviewed Town and Country Planning Act and Development Control Code (DCC).

'The current reviewed DCC will ensure that the buildings around the city are built in a modern way. The FCC should adopt these new strategies and use them to develop the city,' he said.He added that even though the DCC has been reviewed, it will hinder architects from reviewing the plans they had previously drawn and the onus was on them to implement new tactics.