Block 2 is a neglected ghetto - residents

KUSHATHA TABENGWA
Correspondent | Friday January 20, 2012 00:00

Unlike, say, neighbouring Block 3, it appears no plan went into the plots, hence the houses are placed as in traditional villages like Serowe, with a complex labyrinth of criss-crossing paths for streets. Though this is one of the most populated neighbourhoods of Francistown, there are no recreation facilities. For entertainment, the reisdents of Block 2 go to the neighbouring townships.

As for the children, whose playthings include cartons of Chibuku, they are given to prancing about the filthy streets, occasionally dodging over-speeding taxis. It is possible the children do not hear on-coming traffic turn around a corner because of the noise piercing the air from shebeens strewn at every corner.

Peter Mmolawa, a taxi driver who lives in Block 2, agrees that the streets are dangerous for children. He complains that because they have to be on the lookout for children, they drive slowly and lose out on a good profit. 'The girls play dibeke while the boys play football on the street,' Mmolawa says. 'Some of these children are so little that when they play, they become oblivious to the danger of on-coming traffic. If you are new to the streets here, you can easily run them over.'  There is a piece of land where there used to be a park, but with the grass now the height of an adult, the place is not attractive for the children. The merry-go-rounds are jagged and pose a danger.Mmolawa says it pains him to look at the park that is now more like pasture without livestock.

A youthful resident of Block 2, Thato Radipolasi, says it is embarrassing that a neighbourhood of a city like Francistown should be so neglected, especially with regard to recreational facilities.

'We do not have anywhere to meet and share ideas,' she says wistfully. 'At Block 1, the park is developed and I always pass people relaxing there, wishing it was the case here.'  But Radipolasi has not lost hope in the councillor of the ward, Biki Mbulawa. She believes that something will be done about the park because for the past three days, she has seen people clearing the vegetation there. Councillor Mbulawa is certain that something positive will be done for Block 2 this year. He has been involving the community in efforts to develop the park again.

'I raised a motion on developing parks in a council meeting in 2005,' he says. 'Since then, parks have been developed at Boikhutso, Minestone and Block 1. Block 2 is the next and it is due this year.'

So far the park has been fenced and water was connected a year ago. Councillor Mbulawa says people should attend kgotla meetings to hear about plans to bring development to their neighbourhoods.