The P35 million project, which is expected to also bring vibrancy and boost economic activities, is located at a place commonly known as the 'Mummies plot'. The project is a partnership between the City of Francistown Council (COFC) and Petrohyper with the aid of their financier, Bank Gaborone. Petrohyper was awarded the tender for the project in May 2019 after the circulation of offers for expressions of interest. The mixed resort will be an amusement park featuring a rollercoaster, waterslides, outdoor facilities, kids' play areas, a five-a-side football pitch, a commercial centre, a mini-golf course for children, and an outdoor and indoor arena amongst others. Addressing dignitaries during a groundbreaking ceremony for the project recently, Petrohyper head of operations, Tebogo Mathodi, said the Nyangabgwe Recreational Square currently has 83 employees but as time goes on, 200 people will be directly employed during the construction phase. Bank Gaborone is supporting the financial investment from the development phase to the operational stage.
The first phase of the project is expected to be complete in April 2023, which will mark the start of operations. “This project will be a build, operate, and transfer back to the custodians who are COFC,” Mathodi said. “Through this initiative, Francistowners will enjoy facilities for recreational purposes contributing to the city's social and economic status.” She also revealed that the development partners are in the preliminary stages of talks with well-known retail outlets to occupy space when the commercial centre is complete. Lopang Pule, the COFC town clerk, said the partnership between the council and the private sector represents the true embodiment of local economic development. He said the conceptualisation of Nyangabgwe Recreational Square brings significant momentum to the city and would add vibrancy while reviving economic activity. “The amusement park and recreation activities will help curb social ills amongst the youth here,” he said. The partnership between the city and Petrohyper will run for 25 years, subject to renewal through negotiations.
