The Gaborone City Council dropped several bombshells at an eye-opening press conference on Friday, with city upkeep, infrastructure challenges and crippling financial shortfalls top of the packed agenda.
In a deeply disturbing revelation, giving feedback on the recent City Upkeep of daycare centres in the capital, Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng revealed officials uncovered an incident where a preschool teacher allegedly administered sleeping pills to toddlers.
Although the Mayor did not disclose whether the individual involved had been charged or even suspended from work, the case raises grave concerns over child safety and compliance within early childhood facilities.
In another distressing discovery, a syringe full of fluid was reportedly found inside a sealed packet of Nik Naks chips.
“A parent reported the incident to council after buying the Nik Naks from Game City. The contents of this syringe are being tested by Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BOMRA),” stated Mayor Motlaleng.
It was further announced a staggering 91 percent of the 191 council-owned market stalls across Gaborone are currently occupied by foreign nationals. It is believed Batswana rent these stalls out.
Adding to the council’s financial woes, it emerged stall occupants owe over P15 million in unpaid fees.
The figure amounts to pocket change compared to the eye-watering P800 million council is owed by advertising companies from defaulted payments for billboard space.
“This backlog undermines service delivery and development efforts. Council is bleeding money while trying to maintain a clean, safe, and functioning city; these unpaid funds could drastically improve roads, drainage, and public spaces,” moaned the Mayor.
Drainage and sanitation also took center stage, with Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) coming under fire for failing to address serious drainage issues.
“Stagnant wastewater and blocked drains have become a nightmare in many neighbourhoods, with complaints pouring in from residents in areas such as Broadhurst, Old Naledi, and Block 6,” said Motlaleng, who didn’t hold back, accusing WUC of dragging its feet while residents suffer in unsanitary conditions.
He described the situation as ‘untenable’, urging the corporation to prioritize basic sanitation services for Batswana.
Growing incidents of cable theft and infrastructure vandalism also continue to delay city illumination projects and endanger residents.
Additionally, Motlaleng confirmed an ongoing crackdown on car wash operations in malls and business districts, which are operating without permits and draining water resources.
The Mayor further emphasized council would intensify inspections of businesses, going as far as kiosks.
However, he stressed council’s focus is not purely on enforcement but on building a ‘clean, safe, and economically fair’ Gaborone that works for everyone.
Mayor Motlaleng concluded by urging residents to work with the council to reclaim the city from lawbreakers and exploiters, insisting the ‘Diamond city’ must serve the interests of its people above all else.
