GCC seeks P1 billion
Gaborone City Mayor Austin Abraham has expressed optimism that the council will secure the entire proposed Revenue Support Grant, amounting to about P1 billion from the state.
This grant is intended to cover both infrastructure development and operational expenses for the 2024-2025 budget. Examining the condition of its roads and striving to elevate Gaborone to the esteemed status of a diamond city, the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering Services within GCC has authored a report titled: "INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE IN GABORONE: AN OVERVIEW."
Within this report, GCC estimates that the state of infrastructure necessitates a budget of over P875.7 million. This allocation would also facilitate the acquisition of state-of-the-art fire engines equipped with modern ladders and helicopters. GCC has also requested more than P535.6 million as its total recurrent budget for 2024/2025 but still awaits to see how much of it they will receive.
The report underscores the present state of the city's road infrastructure, encompassing both maintenance and enhancements. Maintaining road infrastructure in a swiftly developing city like Gaborone has proven to be a financially and human resource-intensive endeavor. Regrettably, budgetary allocations for maintenance have dwindled over the past five years, as indicated by financial records.
This decline has strained the already limited resources, resulting in inadequately maintained roads, stormwater management issues, and insufficient street lighting for residents. The city's rapid expansion corresponds with an escalation in traffic volume due to an influx of individuals from surrounding villages, drawn to Gaborone as the nation's capital, seeking employment opportunities.
While there may be optimism, economic indicators do not guarantee full funding for GCC. In her budget address, Minister of Finance Peggy Serame responded to GCC's plea by offering 50 percent of the total revenue from road Levy Collection Fund collected within the greater Gaborone area.
Historical data indicates that Greater Gaborone typically collects around P800 million or slightly more in levies. Therefore, if this trend persists, GCC stands to receive at least P400 million for infrastructure projects.
While other constituencies have been allocated P10 million by the Ministry of Local Government for community project, Gaborone is the only place that was allocated P50 million under the CCP to be used to develop the road network.
Mayor Abraham conveyed, during the ongoing fourth and final full council meeting for the 2023/24 financial year, that the year has undeniably been dynamic, featuring memorable events, notable accomplishments, and accompanying challenges.
Mayor Abraham reported that the GCC concludes the financial year with unprecedented strength, fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm across all societal sectors.
The Mayor disclosed that the total recurrent budget for 2024/2025 stands at more than P535.6 million. He urged councillors to explore avenues for expanding the revenue base and to rigorously implement the revenue collection strategy in order to maintain a positive financial standing.
Abraham said that the launches for Constituency Community Projects (CCP) for the 2023/24 financial year took place from the 21st to the 23rd across all constituencies in Gaborone. He emphasised that this year, CCP is prioritising roads maintenance to enhance the city's road networks and overall appearance.
The initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local residents, who are the primary focus for hiring. Abraham urged fellow Councilors to ensure that local’s benefit, aligning with the government's goal of empowering Batswana.
He disclosed that this year's CCP budget is designated for 35 projects, with 27 projects allocated for the paving of earth roads across all constituencies, valued at approximately P38.9 million. It is anticipated that these projects will provide employment for a total of 465 individuals, including bricklayers, laborers, and equipment operators. The remaining budget is earmarked for chip seal, asphalt overlay, and pothole patching, estimated at P11 million, with an expected employment of 62 people. The Council has committed to completing all projects by the end of the financial year, covering approximately 17.5 kilometers of road works.
Abraham further disclosed that throughout the financial year 2023/24, the City Council undertook numerous solar street light projects spanning all constituencies in the city.
A total of 1355 streetlights were installed and successfully completed, with an expenditure of P33.9 million allocated for installation during this period. Additionally, the Council is presently executing three solar street light projects, slated for completion by the end of May 2024, with P12 million earmarked for their implementation and covering a number of areas in Gaborone.