As the number of Covid-19 positive cases continues to rise weekly, Gaborone City Council (GCC) has put in place measures to supplement central government efforts to contain the disease.
Speaking in an interview, GCC Mayor, Father Maphongo said the City Council is doing everything in its power to respond to any challenges that may arise due to Covid-19.
“Although we cannot say we are well prepared, we are doing everything on our part to respond to any challenge that may arise,” said Maphongo.
While stating that health facilities fall under the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Maphongo said as the City Council, they have community halls that can be used to accommodate patients.
“This is an area that we are looking at as an option, but our hope is that the situation would not get there,” said GCC Mayor, adding that they have maintained all the community halls to make them habitable.
The GCC is also installing hand washers cemeteries around the city, so mourners can easily follow Covid 19 protocols.
“As you know, this is a sensitive issue that should be handled with care and compassion because burials are no longer conducted the way they used to be. We are not even sure how going forward burials would be undertaken,” said the Mayor.
Maphongo also said the City Council was considering sealing off the graves of those who succumbed to the virus.
“This also goes against what we are used to culturally, but it is something we are considering in response to Covid-19,” said the City Mayor.
As the Covid-19 came when the budget for the year was already completed, Maphongo said the City Council has had to improvise and work with the existing budget to meet the Covid-19 pandemic demands.
“We are trying to improvise and use the resources that are available to us,” he said.