'There are people living there'

 

FRANCISTOWN: After years of neglect, a 'spooky' house in Area G here that was once the proud residence of judges will eventually be renovated and hopefully occupied.
The decrepit house has been a source of considerable trepidation to neighbours as various government departments bickered and each distanced itself from responsibility for the renovation and maintenance of the property.

Mmegi learns that the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) is not associated with the house, as rumour has had it, but that it is under the 'jurisdiction' of the Administration of Justice.

Confirming that the house belongs to the Administration of Justice, Senior Housing Officer at the BHC, Ontiretse Mafika, said it is a listed building, which means its architecture cannot be changed.

'The house is a heritage,' Mafika says, 'and therefore the national museum cannot allow its destruction. That essentially makes it very difficult for anyone to do anything about it.'

But the house is situated near a mountain and, according to legend here, has become a hiding and storage place for criminals believed to be illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe, posing a danger to the immediate neighbourhood.  The perimeter fence, from where a footpath cuts through the overgrowth to the house, has been breached.

'There are people living there,' says a young Area L resident who wants to remain anonymous.  There is a mat inside the house. And it seems the people occasionally make a fire in the house because when I went there, it was redolent with the smell of a recent fire.

'One morning at around six o'clock, I saw some of them getting out of the house as I went past. I just walked on because it could be dangerous to be ask questions.'

The house is dilapidating, and its roof is crying out for attention.  Doors and windows are broken, while the spacious yard is overgrown with grass and weeds and littered with garbage, especially empty bottles of beverages.

Central Ward councillor, Rebecca Nshakazhogwe, says when she went there recently, she noticed signs of continuous vandalism. She added that people often complain about the house at kgotla meetings. 'The place is becoming a health hazard, and I have frequently asked the District Commissioner to see that the house is maintained,' Nshakazhogwe says.

 'I raised the issue once again at Full Council last February. The answer was to the effect that money for renovation was a bit of a problem.'

 Says Deputy Commander of the Francistown Police Station, Assistant Superintendent Rebakgosi Setumo: 'We have not received any complaints concerning that house, but I agree it can attract criminals because no one lives there.'

Deputy Registrar and Master of the Francistown High Court, William Moncho, says the property is a government pool house. The reason the house has been unoccupied for such a long time is that there was disagreement over who is responsible for its renovation and maintenance.

'The issue has been whether it is the responsibility of the government, the BHC or of the Department of Administration of Justice,' Moncho says.

'The issue has since been resolved and Administration of Justice will see to the house this year.'