Vendors operating from Gaborone City Council (GCC) stalls have been granted a temporary extension after receiving eviction notices.
The small business operators, who were initially given just 14 days to vacate and make way for a private investor contracted to refurbish and manage the markets, pleaded their case before Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng.
The Mayor negotiated with the investor and secured an extension, giving the vendors until December 31st to move out. The council expects all stalls to be emptied by January 1st next year. Mayor Motlaleng stated that his office was prepared to provide all relevant documentation to any vendors who may doubt the official process.
He acknowledged the hardship faced by the vendors but emphasised that the council is bound by a court order. “I know the pain they are going through as small business operators but there is nothing I can do. It’s a court order, and defying it means going to prison. The law is the law and has to be abided by,” he told this publication. “At least they will have time to prepare themselves and find alternative ways.”
He further explained that the current predicament is a legacy issue, stating the council “inherited it from the past regime and the worst part is that the agreement with the developer was signed six days before elections and I am forced to act; it’s our responsibility.”
Following the conclusion of peaceful negotiations this week, Motlaleng is hopeful that all affected vendors will comply and vacate the stalls by the deadline. The said market stalls are located in areas such as BBS, Old Naledi, Bus Rank, Notwane, and Gaborone West.
