Old school building to house small scale producers
FRANCISTOWN: The City of Francistown Council through the Local Economic Development (LED) committee has resolved to use the old Tati Town primary school buildings as a production centre for small scale traders in the city.
This was said by the city mayor, Godisang Radisigo, when addressing an ordinary full council meeting recently.
The facility was initially earmarked for a project aimed at growing the city’s tourism and hospitality sector. The council had leased the school Nepal Medical College Journal (NMCJ) International, for a period of 25 years. The company promised to build a hospitality college and boutique hotel. The project was terminated on September 15, 2022 after it failed to achieve the desired progress.
“The buildings will now be used as a production centre for small scale traders. There is a shortage of production space for small scale traders in the city. Assessment of the centre for suitability and habitability in line with intended activities has commenced and will be finalised by end of April 2023. All modalities related to the project will be communicated in due course,” he said.
The mayor emphasised that the intention is to house small scale producers from various business activities.
At the meeting the mayor also said that Dumela Industrial plots have started attracting interest from investors. The overall intention for leasing of the Dumela plots by the council is to assist investors with operational and production spaces while facilitating the city’s economic diversification and revival drive.
“So far two plots have been allocated out of eight. Two additional plots previously earmarked for LED catalytic project have been added to the remaining six and will be advertised in the first week of April 2023,” Radisigo said.
The council had previously said that it was struggling to attract investors to lease the plots. He also expressed his frustrations about the delayed redevelopment of the central market plot.
“The council has commenced eviction process which entails applying for eviction order from the High Court and status hearing roll call is scheduled for 28th March 2023. I urge those who are supposed to move to adhere so that we can implement the project.”
The vendors have been occupying the central market plot illegally since 2016 when the council terminated their lease agreements.
The council decided to lease the plot to a private investor arguing that its value continues to decline and it is turning into an environmental and health hazard due to lack of proper use. A local company, Amasa Civils Pty (Ltd) was awarded a Ground Lease Agreement on the 23rd of April 2021 to re-develop the area, but vendors have refused to vacate the area.