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14 Jun 2009 19:31
Edition 463 12 - 19June, 2009
A bad drink .Livestock drink filthy water that is discharged from the Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital water treatment plant. The water, that flows down an open trench and carries litter and pollutants before being discharged into the Maun Educational Park , continues despite complaints that it is a hazard to the environment. The Ngami Times is still waiting responses from some departments in a bid to establish whose project it is and whether it is safe to discharge the water into the park. Some of the water is also known to have entered the Thamalakane River. Residents have also complained of a bad smell in the area.
Highest June rainfall in years
This week's rainfall over Maun is the highest recorded for the month of June in the 88 years since records began.
Rain began falling over the whole country on Monday night and continued into midweek with a significant drop in temperatures.
By Thursday, a total of 76.0mm had been recorded for Maun since Monday. At 6am on Tuesday, a total of 21mm had been recorded and on Wednesday there was a further 40mm recorded.
To add to the miseries of thousands of residents and tourists, half the town including much of the central business district - was also blacked out for 90 minutes due to a power failure. Further power cuts of short duration followed
Families living in reed huts were particularly affected by the sudden cold snap.
The late rain is likely to give a big boost to the annual flooding of the Boro and
Thamalakane rivers. It has also been raining heavily over the Makgadikgadi pans and at Nata and Gweta. Construction work on new airstrips in the Central Kalahari area have been suspended for the time being.
In the Okavango delta, many airstrips were temporarily out of action due to flooding and, as a result of the rain, being too slippery to use safely. Safari companies have confirmed that some clients have not been able to leave camps because of the weather and some hired helicopters to transfer clients. The unseasonal rain has impacted on traditional tourism dry season holiday activities, such as quad biking and mobile safaris, for at least two weeks.
There was some talk of a second peak in river flooding. Well, this is it, delivered right on top of the flood, said one pilot.
Research has shown that Botswana rainfall is linked to the cooling or warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean, known as La-Niña, and which is known to be largely associated with wet conditions whereas El-Nino (the warming of the Pacific Ocean) brings dry conditions.
F U E L S C A M
The police have made a breakthrough investigating a seemingly well-etablished fuel theft syndicate allegedly involving Central Transport Organisation (CTO) employees, filling stations in Maun and fuel tanker drivers.
This follows the arrest of suspects over the weekend when a fuel tanker, which was supposed to be delivering fuel to the CTO, was found by the police while it was, instead, delivering the fuel to a filling station in Maun.
It is alleged that employees of CTO and the driver of the tanker colluded to sell government fuel to the filling station, the name of which is known to The Ngami Times. The police have declined to identify the business.
It is suspected that the scam may have been going on for some time.
The Officer in Charge (CID) Maun Police, Alakanani David, confirmed the incident. According to David, the tanker came from Francistown and the scam was discovered after a tip-off. The driver was arrested and later released. The vehicle was parked next to the police station throughout the week.
David told The Ngami Times that they are awaiting a response from technicians from where the truck originates as to get meter readings, how much diesel has been off-loaded, or if there is any left because at the moment no one knows exactly the amount of fuel involved.
He said investigations will also reveal if there are in fact any CTO employees involved in the scam.
Further investigations will be held after our meeting with the technicians because right now we cannot lay any charges. At the moment there is really nothing that we can say, he said.
A spokesman for the CTO in Maun said he could not comment as the matter as it was still under investigation.
Chinese back to complete rank project
By Boniface Keakabetse
Controversy is still the order of the day as the progress of the Maun infrastructure Development Phase II - a multi million pula project that includes the construction of the new bus and taxi rank, Matshwane industrial site road, pavements in the central business district and the tarring of internal roads - still looks uncertain. North West District Council (NWDC) originally awarded contractors China Jiangsu the contract for Package 1 of Phase II which included construction of the rank, industrial roads and paving.
China Jiangsu failed to complete the work on time while it was also apparently using sub- standard and unspecified materials. Bearing testimony to the shoddy work on the project, an insignificant amount of rain at the beginning of the previous rainy season turned the bus and taxi rank into a pool of water. Jiangsu asked for an extension of time, claiming delays were caused by the rain but they still failed to complete the construction on time.
Acting under pressure, NWDC terminated the contract and demanded a performance bond of P4.5-million which was to be used to complete the remaining works.
The NWDC then approached another contractor, Tuwana Construction, but it is understood that the contractor reportedly refused any involvement on the completion the remaining works in Package 1.
NWDC public relations officer Wada Motsamai says following the NWDC proposal to Tuwana to complete Package 1 hit a snag, the Council chose to reengage the services of Jiangsu. Jiangsu will attend to the mess and the defects they created and do the remaining works on this project at no cost. Engaging China Jiangsu is neither a situation of reinstating the same contract nor revoking the termination. This is an economic way of saving time and additional funds, she told The Ngami Times in an interview.
Jiangsu apparently used unspecified kerb stones on the bus rank and pavements of the CBD. They still have to construct drains and a sewage system connecting the bus rank with the main sewage system, attend to defects on the toilet block, erect fencing and provide the electrification of the rank.
The contractor has to get leveling requirements both on the bus rank and the pavements. They still have to construct a culvert channeling water from the centre of the town to the river, cover all the drains along Tsheko Tsheko and Tsaro roads and plant trees and do landscaping.
Upon the termination of the contract, NWDC had three options - they could engage a new contractor, complete the project using its own resources or allow the terminated contractor to carry out the remaining works upon its appeal to the council secretary. Motsamai says China Jiangsu is expected to finish the outstanding works by December this year, however this remain to be seen.
Maun airport bombshell
The bombshell news that renovations and improvement to Maun airport the second busiest in terms of aircraft movements in southern Africa has been put on hold once again is astonishing.
The official government position is that upgrades to Gaborone and Francistown airports must be completed before work can start on Maun. That means well into 2010 before anything is done.
One would have thought that with Maun as the tourism capital of this country, the airport needed a shot in the arm to cater for thousands of visitors. Maun airport is far busier than Francistown, for instance, and is desperately in need of improvements.
A start to the renovation of Maun airport was due more than two years ago and was to have been completed in 2010 to meet the expected influx of visitors during the football World Cup. Then came the announcement that it would be delayed with a completion date scheduled for 2011.
The revised completion date now is anybody's guess.
The government uprooted hundreds of residents from Botshabelo and Sedie wards to make way for the development. There were protests about it, protests which looking at today's situation may well have been justified.
We urge the government to rethink its strategy towards this airport and stop delaying progress.
Cap in hand to get a loan
The global economic crisis has obviously affected Botswana in more ways than has been disclosed by the government.
The decision to borrow billions of pula from the African Development Bank speaks volumes about the nature of our finances at this critical time and begs the question of how could the Bank of Botswana and various Cabinet ministers tell the country that the recession is not affecting Botswana.
We have already seen cuts in budgets ranging from ministries to district councils, with the resultant pigeon-holing of projects.
Is it due to a lack of vision that we have now had to go cap in hand to the African Development Bank to borrow money?
Maun airport has become a victim of the global economic downturn as it seems that construction work will only get under way after the first quarter of 2010.
Shuffle casts his mind back to when the project was first announced and how it was parroted from the rooftops that Botswana was expecting a flood of tourists drawn to southern Africa for football's World Cup that facilities had to be upgraded.
A year went by, and then another as hundreds of disgruntled residents of Botshabelo and Sedie were uprooted from their homes (at a price of course) to make way for the proposed new 3.7km runway, and sent packing to Disaneng Ext and Matshwane bush country that had to be cleared, services laid on and so on.
It was an expensive exercise not appreciated by the residents.
Politicians got involved in the row, townspeople had dark thoughts about air travel in all its forms, and the pundits sat back and predicted delay after delay. Regretfully, the pundits were right! Will 2010 come and go and still no work is done on the airport? Or are we being sarcastic?
Shuffle's airport spies tell of how large executive jets landed here the other day and disgorged members of one of India's wealthiest families.
They had come to see the abundant wildlife of this land of ours and probably also to do a little photographic hunting.
Also in town has been King Juan Carlos of Spain. He and a few friends spent a couple of days at a luxury lodge on the outskirts of Maun. The king is a regular visitor to Maun.
**
Shuffle, who has had his heart shocked into a regular beat, enjoys these doctor-patient exchanges!
Q : Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A : Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q : Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A : You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q : Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A : No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q : What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise programme?
A : Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q : Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A : YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A : Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around! Q : Is swimming well for your figure?
A : If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Well, Shuffle hopes this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets, and remember life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO, What a Ride!
Child labour in the spotlight
World Day Against Child Labour being commemorated today (June 12) is to promote public awareness and action to eliminate child labour.
It is the 10 th anniversary of the adoption of an International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention which focused on the worst forms of child labour.
About 100-million girls around the world are involved in child labour, with many undertaking similar types of work as do boys but enduring additional hardships and facing extra risks, says the Botswana Centre for human rights.
In Botswana, the government is committed to ensuring that all children are protected against economic exploitation but more needs to be done to ensure that protective regulations are being adhered to.
Ditshwanelo urges the government to further address the issue which placing particular emphasis on the protection of the rights of girls, the organisation said in a statement.
New school . . . The new Disaneng Primary School started operating on June 1 after the completion of its construction. The school was built to cater for children relocated from Botshabelo to make way to the airport expansion programme which has now been postponed. North West District Council public relations officer Wada Motsamai says the school has a capacity of 280 pupils and each classroom has a maximum of 40. Children from different schools and now living in Disaneng have started enrolling at the new school.
Everyone's asking have all the elephants gone?
By Lets Open
Botswana may have the biggest concentration of elephants in southern Africa but the question being asked is Where are all the elephants? Hunting safari companies are perplexed as to the scarcity of the animals, which are hunted by American, Spanish and others annually in Botswana. The number that can be hunted is strictly controlled through a quota system.Some conservationists, hunters and researchers believe that the lack of large numbers of elephants is because of climate change and there has been a decline in areas such as the Moremi game reserve, the Savuti channels, the Mababe Depression, Sankoyo and as far as the Chobe National Park where large herds normally congregate.
It is thought that a migration across the Namibian highlands to southern Angola is one of the reasons. It is also thought that activities of poachers could be another reason as this may have triggered a herd instinct, resulting in many leaving Botswana or moving towards urban areas for protection. At least seven elephants have been seen in and on the outskirts of Maun in the past fortnight.
Operation Sweep Streets cleans up streets
By Molefi Manyepedza
There was a lot of activity on the streets of Maun last week when the Department of Road Transport and Safety in conjunction with the police traffic department held Operation Sweep streets' to deal with public transport operators. Traffic Inspector Unopa Matembe revealed to The Ngami Times that 149 motorists were arrested in connection with road offences during the operation in Maun. He said the objective was to check the buses, combi and taxi drivers' documents, adherence to permit conditions, adherence to timetables, validate permits in the area of operation and enforce road transportation regularly. People may think this was the first time we have had such an operation but it is our daily duty that Maun traffic department does, Matembe said.
The operation took place from 5am to 10am each morning and again from 4pm to 6.30pm. It was found that most taxi drivers did not carry fire extinguishers or triangles in their vehicles. Matembe said there is need to monitor the conduct of road transport operators particularly more so as the 2010 football World Cup will be hosted in Southern Africa.
In an interview with one of the taxi drivers, he appreciated the operation for removing unroad worthy vehicles from the streets.
These vehicles disturb us on the roads and contribute to road accidents, he added.
Maun schoolboy picked for Craven Week rugby
Former Matshwane primary School sports star Jacque Grobler has been chosen to play for the Free State provincial team in the junior Craven Week rugby tournament in South Africa at the end of June. The tournament brings together the most promising schoolboy talent.
Jacque's parents, Herman and Yvonne Grobler, said this week they were very proud of their son, who has shown all-round sporting abilities. He plays wing for his school side.
He is now a student at Grey College in Bloemfontein.
Maun United could end up in Second Division
Relegation haunted Maun United could see themselves playing in the regional second division league next season. This follows a string of poor results and a management that seemed to have deserted the club. Having played in the Nhabe regional league for many years, United moved to within touching distance of playing in the second division after they failed to honour two fixtures last week.
United's chances of surviving the relegation hang by a thread. They are left with one game before the league season ends, but they have not been called for hearings regarding their non-appearance at the other games.
There are also doubts of them managing in that division. Efforts to get comment from the team's officials were in vain.
Reliable sources told Times Sports that the management appears to have deserted the team, and also of poor attendance at training sessions.
United are not alone in the relegation battle.
Also in the zone are CTO, North West United and Fuji Rollers.
The teams are each left with a game to play but CTO has the most difficult task to avoid going down when they face in-form Gunners of Khwai.
CTO are currently second from the bottom with 20 points from 21 games. They need to win this game and move ahead of Fuji Rollers who are 10th with 22 points.
On their quest for survival, Fuji Rollers have a rather tricky encounter against Cubs who are well settled in 4th place.
North West United will have to wait for the decision on their match against BMC which was abandoned last week.
The second spot position is still vacant, and it seems the battle there is between BMC and Delta Winds. BMC are in second place with a game in hand which will be decided at the hearing after their match against North West was abandoned.
As for Delta Winds, they will be playing Sankoyo in their last league match while the remaining game this weekend will also be decided at the hearing after Maun United failed to show up at the stadium.
Delta Winds are currently 3rd with 35 points and BMC 2nd with 36.
Sankoyo has a chance to occupy second place if BMC and Delta Winds lose all their games and they win their two remaining matches with a wider margin of more than 18 goals.
Meanwhile, the weekend games will wrap up the 2008/9 season.
On Saturday, Delta Winds take on Sankoyo, while Gunners of Khwai face CTO at Maun Technical College ground. Cubs will be playing against Fuji Rollers in the only match at Maun Sports Complex. On Sunday, Gunners are due to face Maun United, and Makgabisanaga brings down the curtain to end the season with a match against Sankoyo.
Confederations Cup kicks off in South Africa
One of the World's most prestigious soccer tournaments, the Confederations Cup, will kick off on Sunday in South Africa.
The tournament will run through to June 28 and brings together world champions Italy and European champions Spain, Confederations Cup holders Brazil, as well as Egypt CAF champions, Iraq, New Zealand, the United States and 2010 World Cup hosting nation, South Africa.
African pride will be seeing the continent's representatives making it through to the finals.
South African President Jacob Zuma said that his country was ready to make history by hosting the Confederations Cup, and next year the World Cup, in Africa for the first time.
Coaching for Conversation prepares for the camp
Coaching for Conversation will be hosting yet another soccer camp in Maun, this was announced last week, when they held an Information Coaching Session at Maun Lodge. A total of 21 primary schools in Maun will be taking part in this year's programme which is scheduled from July 6 to 9.During the training camp, each school will be moving around the field with a team of one soccer coach and one Conversation coach. The camp will involve daily themes including passing, dribbling, skills and shooting. Each of the skills will be linked to real life skills, such as sharing, caring, and health, and a conservation concept. There will be lots time for game, with a focus on various conversation themes.
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