FCC forms company to drive city's economy

Chakalisa Dube | Thursday January 23, 2014 15:49

 

By 2022 Francistown aims to have energised its economy to a much higher level.

Those close to the development have indicated that the main purpose of the company will be to seek various partnerships with private companies to initiate some projects aimed at developing the city and turning it into a commercial hub.

A source yesterday said that the city council had already established an investment committee that would be tasked with registering the company.

The committee is made up of councillors and council officials. It is, however, still not clear as to who would be running the company and how at this stage.

The committee is expected to get the go-ahead to plan the registration of the company at the full council meeting in February.

As part of its mandate the committee is also expected to explore and spearhead various development initiatives that the FCC can solely embark on, Mmegi has learnt.   

Yesterday city mayor James Kgalajwe declined to be drawn into discussing the subject.

“I cannot deny nor confirm that the council intends forming a company. All I can say is that the FCC will continue to explore ways that can help to take the city’s economy to another level,” he said.

Kgalajwe indicated that next week they will begin consultations with various stakeholders that the council wants to be involved in the Business Pitso slated for March this year.

The Pitso is meant to help the FCC and the stakeholders come up with ideas on how the city’s economy can be improved.

Already the council is talking to some high profile figures based in the city to act as ambassadors for Vision 2022, he added. He declined to mention their names for fear of jeopardising negotiations.

“We have scheduled meetings in the city and Gaborone with various stakeholders who we want to be part of the Pitso. The meetings will last for two weeks beginning January 27,” he said.

The FCC has announced that it will lease its dilapidated abattoir, which has been non-operational for over two years, to a private investor as part of Vision 2022.

It is reported that two unnamed companies have already submitted their bids to the FCC to run the abattoir.