Sunday, March 1, 2009

Renovation costs supporters, small businesses

GABORONE - A premier league action drought will continue until April, following the closure of three stadia.
The trio, National Stadium, University of Botswana and Sir Seretse Khama Barracks have been closed for renovations.
The closure has left some with no choice but to stay home and watch televised games.
This also has a negative financial impact on teams, which are based in and around Gaborone as they used to smile all the way to the bank after hosting a game.
It could prove cumbersome for some supporters to attend games at places far from Gaborone.
Hawkers, who used to trade during the Gaborone or Mogoditshane games have also been affected.
According to Ms Motlhalepula Tsabeng who used to sell food and beverages during the games, the situation has left her four children in the streets as she is now struggling to put food in the table.
"We now depend on hand outs from friends which is something against my principles. I was also evicted from my house last month as I was struggling to pay rent and I am now sharing a one room house with my sister and her five children. This renovation has made me an instant destitute," said Ms Tsabeng.
Public transport operators plying their trade along roads leading to the stadia experieced a decline during weekends.
Mr Kabelo Masilo, a mini bus driver in Broadhurst Route Two used to make a kill when there was a soccer game at UB or National Stadium but ever since the two closed, he no longer operate on weekend afternoons. The refurbishing of the National stadium, which commenced in November last year and is anticipated to be completed in January 2010. Government has allocated P90 million for the project.
Meanwhile, construction of Francistown stadium, which commenced in March 2008 is expected to be completed in January 2010.
The stadium has got a capacity of 26 000 and there will be a provision of seats in all stands.
The project has been allocated P200 million. And on one hand, construction of Lobatse Integrated Sports facility started in January 2008 and is also expected to be completed in January 2010. The project is allocated P189 million. BOPA

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