Connect with us
Advertisement

Selebi Phikwe Town Council hikes service fees

The cost of using Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) services will go up by November this year as the Town Council last week adopted the proposed fee increases for various services that the Local Authority provides to the public.

Presented by the Chairperson of Finance and General Purposes Committee, Councillor Moses Serite, the Cost Reduction Strategy Review Report which outlined fee hikes for various services and introduced fees for services previously not charged, councillors adopted the report without a single dissenter.

The report records that the SPTC has proposed to review cost reduction strategies in place “due to the fact that it has been offering certain services and it has emerged that most of them were either undercharged for services charged or not charged at all.”  It further notes that the review of the strategies is “so as to bridge the imbalance between running expenses and income generated.”

It further states that “some costs have been introduced due to the fact that too much effort and resources are used in order for the council to render services like site visits, inspections before and after developments, and this automatically includes maintenance and operational costs including sitting allowances that committees attract by sitting for decisions to be made.”

The council have adjusted upwards most of its fees and service charges at a times where businesses are struggling to stay afloat in a town still reeling from the economic shock that saw some businesses close shop following the closure of BCL mine in October 2016. The Town Clerk has been given the authority to make a waiver where necessary. All cost changes are effective on November 01, 2018.

Several services have been seen cost increases of over 100%. The stadium which has been charging P3, 500.00 for local festivals have been hiked to P10, 000.00, representing a 186% increase. International pastors and other international festivals who have been paying P7, 000.00 will from November have to fork out P15, 000.00, the reports reveals.

Fees have also been increased for Advertising and Hoarding Signs with perusal fee being increased from P12.00 to P200.00.The Advertisement Levy per year for Super Billboards and Custom Billboards have been increased from P1, 500.00 to P1, 800.00 while for Electronic Billboards, the levy has increased from P2, 000.00 to P2, 500.00. Advertising on Street Light poles, Refuse bins and Bus Shelter moves up from P300.00 to P700.00.

Fees for using Council facilities like Civic Centre, Community Hall, Show Ground and Recreation Centre have also been revised upwards. Several fees have been upped by 25% (P200 to P2500) except for hosting of festivals from P500.00 to P3, 000.00 at the Civic Centre. The highest charge for hosting an event at the Community Hall and Recreation Centre is P1, 000.00 per day for an all-night prayer and church conferences. The charge for hosting Church Conference has moved from P350.00 to P1, 000.00. According to the report, Charitable Organisations which have not been paying for utilising council halls will now have to pay a 50% subsidised fee for all their activities.

The report indicates that the charges “are influenced by the cost of managing the facilities like preparing for leases, legal costs for non-compliant lessees, security of facilities, insurance incurred by the Council among other reasons especially for activities of high income returns, high risk activities and fees required for maintenance, cleaning, power and water consumption.”


According to the report, recreation spaces like children play area moves up from P1, 500.00 per day to P2, 000.00 to cater for damages that might occur. It indicates that some of the damages has been exceeding the money generated. Grave excavation costs have also gone up. The reports records that grave excavation costs are “too high due to high fuel consumption during excavation.” Graves for children will now cost P75.00 from P30 for citizens while it will cost foreigners P100 from the previous charge of P30. The grave for an adult will cost P150.00 from P95.00 for citizens while for foreigners, the cost moves up from P95.00 to P200.00.

For the Show Ground, one will need to pay up to P5,000.00 per day to host a music festival which feature international artistes while other uses will be charged P250.00 hourly. Again, Charitable Organisations and Government Schools will be subsidised by 50% for all their activities. Under Environmental Health, charges have also been hiked. Abattoir charges have moved up from P50.00 to P100.00 plus P30.00 slaughter levy per head of cattle, making the total charge for slaughtering a cow P130.00 per beast.

For goats and sheep, it has moved up from P12.00 to P30.00 per goat or sheep while slaughtering a pig will attract a charge of P50.00 from the previous charge of P20.00. Cold Storage costs moves from P25.00 to P50.00 per animal day. The Report explains the charges are meant “to bridge the imbalance between abattoir running expenses and the income generated from providing the service.”

Hiring of classroom has seen a 100% increase from P300.00 per night to P600.00.Booking a classroom for a meeting will cost P100.00 per an hour. It was previously charged P25.00 hourly. Hiring of a pot also moves from P25.00 to P100.00. According to the report, the justification for an increment on these items is because “a lot of expenses are incurred in paying for utilities and maintenance of schools.” The report also says that Selebi Phikwe is a town with accommodation facilities in place for use.

Under Civil and Mechanical, reinstatement of roads moves form P775.00 per an hour to P900.00. The report says this is due to an increase in maintenance costs and payment of employees. Equipment hire has also increased by 22% for both Front End Loader and small TLB (Backhoe Loader). The bigger TLB, Grader and Roller has seen an increase of 20%, 15% and 33% respectively. The hikes according to the report are meant to “augment for the repair costs and payment of officers which increase overtime.”

New fees Introduced

Tables, chairs, plants and florist services which were previously not charged for will now carry a charge. Table and chair hire will cost P10.00 and P2.00 respectively while hire for plants and florist services will cost P20.00 and P800.00 respectively. Other new fees include among others charging P1, 000.00 per day for use of open space by industrial or commercial entities while Non-Governmental Organisations will pay P370.00 for the same. Driving Schools will have to pay P250.00 monthly while celebrations and churches will pay P300.00.

The Council will now sell some documents which it has been previously issuing out for free. A 1.5, 2.5 and three roomed house plan will cost P100.00, P150.00, and P200.00 respectively. Maps in various sizes will also be on sale at P20.00 (A4), P30.00 (A3), P40.00 (A2), and P50.00 (A1).

Under Physical Planning, Housing and Estate Management, perusal fees for planning permission and application fees have been introduced. Low Income Residential (SHAA) will cost P500.00 while other non SHAA residential will be charged P750.00. A P1, 000.00 will be charged for non-residential plans like commercial industrial, civic and others. However, there has been no increase for domestic waste collection for both industrial and residential, Skip Hire, incineration and clinical waste collection and disposal.

Continue Reading

News

BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

Continue Reading

News

Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

Continue Reading