Famous Francistown drinking spot divides opinion
Located in the heart of the second city, Area L Complex has long divided opinion in Francistown.
For those who love it, it is the go-to chill spot for a refreshing drink or two, with fresh meat sizzling on the braai, while good music and laidback chatter dominate the air.
For those who loathe it, it is an overcrowded, no-go zone, crawling with pick pockets and drunkards.
Love it or loathe it, Area L bars are rarely ignored.
The complex once again finds itself in the limelight.
Francistown East Central ward Councilor and the Director of a number of businesses at the complex, Lilian Griesmeir was quick to dismiss complaints of excessive noise, hazardous waste and parking violations raised by a concerned resident, Loyiso Sechaba Mongameli.
In an exclusive interview, Mongameli told The Voice he represents a number of fed-up Area L residents whose quality of life is being negatively affected by the loud noise and unkempt appearance of the popular night spot.
He revealed that during a recent consultative meeting, attended by the police, VDC and Griesmeir, it was decided there should be a reduction of the invasive, loud music that is consistently played throughout the week.
“It was agreed that establishments that allegedly lack ablutions to service their clients would be instructed in writing to finish construction on their ablutions effect immediately,” he said.
Mongameli further said it was agreed that providers of portable toilet services be engaged to help service the high influx of patrons coming into the place and engaging the Ward Development Committee to re-open the WDC toilets which were constructed for this purpose.
“The situation at Area L is unbearable and most residents are suffering in silence, at the mercy of drunkards who relieve themselves on their barrier walls. The owner and area Councillor is aware of this, but is doing nothing to arrest the situation. Residents are unable to go to the houses because either revelers are blocking the road or park in front of their gates,” he said.
The concerned resident added it was also resolved that a boom gate be constructed, as well as a fenced enclosure separating the Area L Shopping Complex from residential dwelling.
However, hitting back, Griesmier insisted Mongameli’s complaints were politically motivated.
“He was in the opposing team during the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Primary elections which they lost, and has since decamped to the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC),” she told The Voice.
The Councillor, also known as ‘Mma Stan’, expressed surprise at the timing of the complaints, noting Area L has been running for many decades.
“I’ve been here for over 24 years, and Area L has always been this place. People who ran it have long retired, some have leased their properties, but the complex’s reputation has never changed,” she said.
Griesmeir pointed out she has complied with all the bylaw regulations and has no influence on the authorities who issue operating licenses.
“Area L is the cleanliest complex in Francistown. We’ve engaged people who make sure this area is clean, and I’ve employed over 40 people, excluding vendors who eke a living out of this place. It is a popular entertainment centre, known all over the country, a tourist attraction that has become part of Francistown, and we should not be pushing for its closure just to score cheap political points,” she concluded.
