The sight of submerged yards and closed roads is an inconvenience and a clear sign that the capital’s water passages pose a problem to residents. With more rain forecast, this is not a time for panic, as Gaborone City Council (GCC) Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng rightly urges, but it is most certainly a time for urgent, collective action.
His appeal for calm must be matched by a firm commitment from both the GCC authorities and every single resident. The message from the city council is clear that they cannot fight this problem alone. It is a shared burden, and pointing fingers will only lead to more flooded homes when the next storm comes. On one hand, the city council must accelerate and intensify its efforts to address the situation and make Gaborone habitable. Residents have voiced valid concerns, calling for long-term solutions. The regular maintenance of critical waterways like the Segoditshane River is not a luxury, but rather a necessity. Clearing silt and bushes frequently, and considering the expansion of bridges and drains, are essential infrastructure projects that demand priority and funding. Proactive work today will prevent chaotic and costly emergencies tomorrow.
