Gaborone City! What City! Pt 2
Friday, November 06, 2020
Gardens wanted: The author says Gaborone needs more character and green
Developers are normally required to reserve open spaces for greenery particularly in large-scale developments. If you were to walk around the residential estate developed by Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) in Phakalane, you would see at least three open spaces.
Add to that, the similar places scattered all over Gaborone. Can one of the decently sized spaces be dedicated to a proper park? Well-maintained parks are a common feature in progressive cities. And some of them are free for all.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...