Few weeks after Francistown Town Council (FCC) demolished vendors CBD market place, the Minister of Local Governance and Rural Development (MLGRD) Kgotla Autlwetse has provided an update on what government intends to do with the place.
In Parliament yesterday Autlwetse stated that FCC plans to redevelop the market place and modernize it. After the redevelopment of the place is done, he said vendors will still be allowed to trade at the new place. “A decision was made to lease the plot to a Motswana company to uplift the market which will be accommodating small scale businesses and informal sector. Even the current tenant will provide informal sector stalls,” Autlwetse said. He further stated that the new modernized place will also open its doors to creative enthusiast who have no place to trade their flair.
“The current tenant will also provide the Art and gallery exhibition stalls as a way of accommodating and preserving the history of the plot,” he said. The minister denoted that people should not perceive the demolition processes by FCC as an attack to the informal sector as it looks to create more jobs for them. “It is on this basis that the redevelopment concept of the market centre is projected to yield 150 jobs during construction and an estimated 200 permanent jobs at operational phase,” Autlwetse highlighted. Giving a forecast on how the new market place would look like.
Autlwetse said; “This is informed by the nature of the new developments anticipated such as 38 standalone stalls, a theatre to support performing arts which will accommodate a number of artists and spectators around 50, an art gallery or display hall which will equally support and house a good number of artists in the city,” he said. In conclusion he stated that the proposed developments will surely yield more sustainable jobs and highlighted that the long-term effects of the decision will add value in terms of job opportunities, the facelift and aesthetics of the city.
