Phase V and VI set for new tower and streetlights
The long dark nights will soon be a thing of the past for residents of Phase V and VI in Monarch area.
The Francistown City Council has handed the site to contractors, General Waste and Bold Target to install two tower lights and 20 solar-powered streetlights in the area.
According to Monarch Ward Councillor, Gopolang Almando, one tower light will be installed within Ntshe Primary School to illuminate Phase V, while the other will be erected at the Phase VI churches to light up the entire area.
“Council realised there was a major need for light in these two areas, especially as the old streetlights will be removed to make way for new solar-powered lights,” he said, adding council have spent P800, 000 on the project.
“Contractors have been given 90 days to complete the project; we expect them to hand over the site on 23 April,” added Almando.
The issue of tower lights in Monarch had sent the area Member of Parliament (MP), Ignatius Moswaane and Almando on a collision course, with the duo in disagreement on where the lights should be installed.
Moswaane had wanted one tower light at the busy Monarch four-way, but council decided otherwise.
“In Phase VI most of the light will go towards the bush, while people are in the dark,” insisted Moswaane, who quit the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) back in August 2020, eventually finding a new home within the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP).
However, Councillor Almando believes bringing the tower light to the four-way would result in light pollution.
“We had to be careful not to disturb residents’ peace by invading their homes with strong light that might interfere with their sleep patterns. That light is perfectly placed, and is in the best interest of residents of Phase V and VI,” he concluded.
