Francistown City Council to engage another for development of market stalls
Francistown City Council is considering terminating the contract of a company awarded a tender to develop the Francistown Central Market stalls three years ago, following prolonged delays in implementation.
Mayor Gaone Majere told The Midweek Sun that despite repeated engagements, the contractor has failed to commence work at the site.
“We intend to engage another contractor who will be able to start and complete the project,” Majere said.
He confirmed that the company has been issued with a one-month termination notice, after which the council will appoint a new contractor.
The stalled project follows a 2023 High Court eviction order affecting 26 stalls at the market, a move that sparked tension between traders and the council.
Many traders argued that the evictions threatened their livelihoods, forcing them to vacate spaces they relied on as their primary source of income.
Traders Call for Inclusive Development
Central Market Association Chairperson Oduetse Moleele stressed that the market plays a pivotal socio-economic role, providing employment opportunities across diverse businesses, including tailoring, technical services, agricultural produce, and food catering.
He said the eviction of traders had a significant impact on those who depend on the market for survival, underscoring the need for development processes that take into account the welfare of affected communities.
Mayor Gaone Majere told The Midweek Sun that despite repeated engagements, the contractor has failed to commence work at the site.
“We intend to engage another contractor who will be able to start and complete the project,” Majere said.
He confirmed that the company has been issued with a one-month termination notice, after which the council will appoint a new contractor.
The stalled project follows a 2023 High Court eviction order affecting 26 stalls at the market, a move that sparked tension between traders and the council.
Many traders argued that the evictions threatened their livelihoods, forcing them to vacate spaces they relied on as their primary source of income.
Traders Call for Inclusive Development
Central Market Association Chairperson Oduetse Moleele stressed that the market plays a pivotal socio-economic role, providing employment opportunities across diverse businesses, including tailoring, technical services, agricultural produce, and food catering.
He said the eviction of traders had a significant impact on those who depend on the market for survival, underscoring the need for development processes that take into account the welfare of affected communities.
