PRESENTED BY: MR. MOMPATI SELEKA- TOWN CLERK SELEBI PHIKWE TOWN COUNCIL, URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE...

PRESENTED BY: MR. MOMPATI SELEKA- TOWN CLERKSELEBI PHIKWE TOWN COUNCIL, URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

SELEBI PHIKWE Presentation

1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The town of Selebi Phikwe was established in the early 1960s following the onset of copper/nickel mining activities. The first official activities related to the discovery of the Selebi Phikwe mineral deposits date from 1959, when surface prospecting started over an area of some 67,000 square kilometers.

Geochemical exploration techniques were used to discover the Selebi deposit in 1963, followed by the discoveries of Phikwe and Selebi North deposits.

This gave an impetus to commencement of robust mining activities in 1970. The town hence evolved from the mine workers quarters which were provided by the BCL mine for its employees. Selebi Phikwe has since grown into the third largest urban centre in the country.

2. GEOGRAPHICAL

SETTING

Selebi Phikwe is situated in the Eastern part of Botswana, about 415km by road from Gaborone (national capital) and about 150km south east of Francistown(second largest urban centre), and 60km east of the Gaborone – Francistown road.

2.1 Location

It lies 80km west of Bobirwa Sub district headquarters at Bobonong and within the Eastern Planning region of Botswana as delineated by the National Settlement Policy of 2004. It shares its borders with the Bobirwa Sub-District. The closest border to South Africa, which is at Zanzibar, lies 100 km to the south east of the town while the Martins Drift Border to South Africa is 120 kilometres to the south.

2.2 Size and Status

Selebi Phikwe was declared a planning area under the Town and Country Planning (Declaration of Planning Areas) order of 1980. The land within the town is wholly state owned (state land) albeit the existence of a substantial number of tribal land grants within the planning area which includes BDF camp, Airport, Prisons and two exclusive surface rights areas granted to BCL for mining purposes.

The District Planning area boundary covers 260 km2 of which 50km2 is within the Township boundary. The land allocation and administration is the sole responsibility of the department of Lands (Ministry of Lands and Housing), while Selebi Phikwe Town Council is the responsible Planning Authority exercising all local government functions over the entire township area. The 210km2 outside the township area boundary is all tribal land, allocated and administered by the Ngwato Land Board.

3. DISTRICT ENVIROMENTAL

STATUS

3.1 Physical Features

Selebi Phikwe is well endowed with ephemeral rivers and streams, kopjes and inselbergs of granitoid rocks which rise above a flat pediment dipping gently to the north. The Motloutse, Letlhakane and Mathathane rivers are the dominant physiographic features, flowing sporadically during the rainy season from October to April; discharging northwards.

The topography is generally flat and typical of the basement system of Botswana lying at an altitude of between 780 - 950 metres above sea level with a gradient sloping gently to the south. The most prominent hill is the Selebi hill located at the south west corner of the township boundary. The stretch of these topographic features indeed constitutes a serious constraint to the settlement development growth in this direction.

Selebi Phikwe has a semi-arid climate, with summer rainfall during the months of October to March ranging between 400 and 500 mm per annum. Most of the rains fall in high intensity spells, and because of the seasonal nature of the rainfall, and the high probability of drought conditions during the dry season.

3.2 Climate

Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purposes.

Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October,

with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the

early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in

Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating

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3.3 Vegetation and Soil

3.3.1 Vegetation

The township lies within the eastern hardveld and the vegetation is characterized by the predominance of tree savannah, with Mophane and Acacia (Mooka) prevailing. Other tree species such as Baobab are sparsely found in the district boundary outside the township area.

winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind

speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter



early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels

recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good

for heating purpo

Mophane trees also bring in Mophane worm (phane) known for its nutritious status and mostly harvested in this area to sell to both locally and regionally. The worms boost the economic status of low income during summer and autumn.

The felling of trees and the effects of urbanization has led to more shrub-dominated vegetation, especially in the township area.







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The vegetation is however thicker along the banks of the rivers characterized by riparian woodland. A policy is in place which encourages the planting of trees and discourages the felling of trees in the planning area







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3.3.2 Soils



Selebi Phikwe area has two major soil groups, which are on alluvial deposits and soils on acid igneous and metamorphic rocks. Only a small strip of soils on basic igneous and metamorphic rocks founding in the extreme north-west, while the topsoil cover is scanty, with recorded depths not exceeding 1.75 metres, but averaging 1.5 metres.





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This consists of silty sands and sandy clays with a predominant light brown to brown colour, with some grey sandy soils in the western area.Subsoil materials consist mainly of weathered and decomposed granites with laterite, calcrete and quartz gravels layers influencing the colouring of the topsoil layer.





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Calcrete and laterite are found on the western area while quartz gravels occur over most of the planning area.The quartz, calcrete and laterite gravels found in the Planning Area are suitable for road construction materials. The rivers in the planning area are good sources of sand used for building constructions.





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3.4 Natural Resources

3.4.1 Wildlife There are limited number and types of wildlife species within the District. Baboons and other small species are common in the kopjes to the south of the town. Different kinds of birds’ species are also common, which present an opportunity for tourism development. There is plan to create a game park which will attract tourists to the area hence diversifying the town’s economy.







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3.4.2 Sources of Energy Selebi Phikwe like any other settlement in the country is dependent on electricity generated from other areas which this instance comes from Morupule Power Station. The electricity is used for mining, commercial, residential and street lighting purpose while low income uses other sources of fuel such as paraffin, fuel wood and candles.







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Though there is a great potential to use solar energy in residential houses due to high temperatures and long hours of sunlight there are only a few hours of its usage. The district authorities, through the Urban Development Plan III, have consolidated strategies to encourage the use of solar energy and discourage use of fuel-wood.







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The main water sources in the district is the Letsibogo dam in Mmadinare through a few water courses like Letlhakane, Mphakenoko and Mathathane rivers which discharge into Motloutse and ultimately Letsibogo dam. These rivers are all seasonal.Water Utilities Corporation is responsible for water supply the district with boreholes only restricted to those exploiting the sand rivers aquifers in the Ephemeral streams.

LETSIBOGO DAM

3.4.3Mining





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The town is heavily dependent on two minerals; copper and nickel which are being mined by the BCL mine. This has rendered the economy of the mine to be monolithic hence posing a challenge to diversify the economy. This has become more urgent since studies have revealed that the mining activities may not continue beyond 2021 owing to the depletion of mineral deposits. However, the BCL mine is doing everything in its capacity to extend the mine life beyond 2021. Exploration is continuous.



4. COMMUNICATIONS &

LINKAGES

4.1 Road Transport

There are two primary roads within the district; which are Selebi Phikwe – Serule and Phikwe -Martins Drift road. The 60 km Selebi Phikwe – Serule road links the town with Francistown, another major urban centre in the north, as well as Gaborone, the capital city, through the major Francistown – Gaborone artery.

This road also provides a link between Palapye and Selebi Phikwe by linking the Francistown - Gaborone road and Martins Drift - Selebi Phikwe through the 40km Tamasane – Kgagodi road. There are other link roads constructed like the Tobane – Selebi Phikwe and Mmadinare roads to close and provide better linkages with surrounding villages. There is also a network of 180 kilometers of tarred internal road. Public transport in Selebi Phikwe comprises local minibuses and taxis, and scheduled coach services to Gaborone, Francistown and other centres.

4.2 Rail Transport The town is linked to the national railway line through the 60km Selebi Phikwe – Serule railway line which is solely meant to ferry goods to and from Selebi Phikwe. No passenger transport is provided in this service. There are private rail lines within the town which link the BCL mining areas.



4.3 Air TransportSelebi Phikwe has an airport with a 2.8-kilometre hard surfaced runway capable of taking aircraft up to BAe 146 and equivalent. It is scheduled as a port of entry and there are Customs and Immigration services provided. It lacks refueling and night landing (lighting) facilities. Landing fees and other charges are the same as those applied at civil airports elsewhere in Botswana.There is however need to promote utilization of air transport





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4.5 Telecommunications

Currently the Botswana Telecommunications Corporations is the main provider for telecommunication infrastructure services. Mobile phone network communication provider like Be Mobile, Orange and Mascom are also available.





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4.6 Postal Services Botswana Post with two postal offices in Botshabelo and Main Mall are the main postal services provider. Courier services are also provided by private companies.



5. DISTRICT SOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an

average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an

average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are

high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo

5.1 Culture



Though the Batswapong and Babirwa are the dominating ethnic groups in Selebi Phikwe, the mining town has a diverse mix of ethnical groups, attracted by employment opportunities. The cultural spectrum therefore reflects the national cultural diversity.





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5.2 Population Characteristics



Botswana Population and Housing Census of 2001 revealed that the overall population of Selebi Phikwe was 49 849 comprising of 24 334 males and 25 515 females. The 1991 revealed a population of 39 772 reflecting a growth of 25.34%. The table below shows the population projections





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Source: 2001 population and Housing Census



Year Population % growth

2001 49,849

2006 50,040 0.38

2011 52,049 4.01

2016 55,133 5.93

2021 59,111 7.22

Table 5.2.1: Population Projections.





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5.3 Employment & Unemployment



According to the 2001 Census, BCL mine is the largest employer with about 5 000 people and mainly men. The census results reveal that 60% of the economic active population is employed while 40% are unemployed of which 24% are engaged in the mining sector while 14.3% were engaged in manufacturing.

Table5.3.1:EconomicallyActive Population Engaged Per Sector.

Sector Male Female TotalAgriculture, hunting and Forestry 56 43 99

Fishing 3 - 3Mining and Quarrying 4,565 143 4,708Manufacturing( inc. repair of machinery & equipment)

861 1,946 2,807

Electricity, gas and water supply 213 32 245

Construction 1,061 90 1,151Wholesale & retail trade(inc. repair of motor vehicles & goods)

1,147 1,855 3,002





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Hotels and restaurants 95 336 431

Transport, storage and communications

507 129 636

Financial intermediaries 66 138 204

Real estate, renting and business activities

458 243 701

Public Administration 1,927 653 2,580

Education 359 668 1.027

Health and Social work 115 319 434





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Other community, social & personal service activities

260 240 500

Private households with employed persons

61 925 986

Foreign missions, international organizations

1 1 2

Unknown 30 59 89Total 11,768 7,825 19,611

Source 2001 Population and Housing Census





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There was a decrease in the number of people employed in the past due to closure of manufacturing industries and a decline in the mining sector. The government introduced some measures like the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit to encourage investors to locate in Selebi Phikwe. There are deliberate efforts by the Government to diversify the economy of Selebi Phikwe and its immediate region from the mining sector.

6. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK





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In terms of the National Settlement Policy of 2004, Selebi Phikwe is classified as a primary centre. This accords the town the opportunity to provide high order services. The town is ad ministered by the Selebi Phikwe Town Council, an elected body. The Town Council’s jurisdiction extends over the township area and it is responsible for the provision of municipal, social and community services.





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These include primary schools, public health, township roads, social and community development programmes, and physical planning and development

Headed by the Deputy District Commissioner, several central government departments have offices in Selebi Phikwe.





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These include the Department of Animal Health, Department of Civil Aviation, Department of Immigration, Department of Labour, Botswana Police and Administration of Justice. Parastatals with offices in Selebi Phikwe include Water Utilities Corporation, Botswana Power Corporation and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation, Local Entrepreneurship Authority, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, and Botswana Tourism Organization.





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Selebi Phikwe is the dominant commercial and industrial centre in its immediate region. Its regional retail market is estimated at over 100,000, covering the whole of the Bobirwa Sub-District

7. AREAS OF ECONOMIC

COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE





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7.1 Location



Its proximity to SA and it being the main artery in the SADC region present the opportunity of establishment of a dry port.Selebi Phikwe is located astride or close to important road arteries linking South Africa with eastern and northern Botswana. Traffic entering Botswana through the Zanzibar border crossing on its way to Francistown, Kasane and the Okavango is likely to pass through Selebi Phikwe.





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In the case of freight traffic, which generally uses the Martin’s Drift crossing (as there are no customs clearance facilities on the South African side of the Zanzibar crossing), an itinerary passing Selebi Phikwe is one option (and could be encouraged through strategic signposting). As an established regional commercial centre, the town offers facilities for travellers (hotels, banks, retail outlets, etc.) which are superior to those in Palapye, the only other urban centre of any size on or near the route.





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Selebi Phikwe is only 60 kilometres off the main Gaborone-Francistown A1 highway. The fact that it is a mining town especially copper and nickel places it at an advantage to attract large manufacturing and service industry especially high technology and heavy plant repairs and services.





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7.2 Infrastructure



Selebi Phikwe is served by an excellent and well-maintained road network, which includes several new or recently upgraded roads. Efficient storm-water drainage systems in most areas of the town and sewerage infrastructure are available in all areas of the town. There are more than 2500 serviced (residential and commercial) plots at Mekoro and 74 serviced light industrial plots.





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Selebi Phikwe has one of the most beautiful and well maintained parks. There are recreational facilities such as children’s playgrounds around town.The town is linked by branch railway to the Botswana Railways main line at Serule, facilitating the transport of heavy and bulky cargoes. The branch is not used for passenger traffic but a frequent and reliable coach service is provided between Selebi Phikwe and Francistown, Gaborone.





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7.3 Administrative and other services



Selebi Phikwe is the location for departments of several central government ministries, commercial banks, offices of Parastatals such as the Botswana Building Society, CEDA and BPC, and a wide range of commercial and industrial services.There is 1 senior secondary school, 6 junior secondary schools, 11 primary schools and 22 pre-schools in Selebi Phikwe. There is also a Vocation Training College as well as well-resourced health facilities. This is complemented by a number of private learning institutions.





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The health system comprises of a district hospital, and 6 clinics (of which two have maternity wings)The establishment of the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit will also play a major role in the development and investment in the town by finding innovative and sustainable ways of diversifying the economy, provide an inventory of the town’s /region’s resource base and identifying particular areas of comparative advantage.





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7.4 Land and water



The rural areas surrounding Selebi Phikwe are not heavily populated, and contain land and soils with the potential (through irrigation or rain-fed agriculture) for the production of a wide range of commercial food crops. In terms of its location and infrastructure, Selebi Phikwe is an obvious location for marketing and downstream processing activities.





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7.5 Tourism & Recreation Facilities



7.5.1 Current Status of Tourism & Recreation in Selibe Phikwe Township

The primary types of tourism occurring in the Selibe Phikwe Township are MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, & Events). Wildlife based tourism is largely centered on the Tuli area, whilst MICE tourism is mainly focused in Selibe Phikwe town. It is observed that accommodation facilities are as a result mostly available in Tuli and Selibe Phikwe.





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The Department of Tourism license database indicates that there are 8 accommodation facilities (hotels, guest houses etc) in Selibe Phikwe. It also indicates that there are no travel agents and tour operators in town. Car hires can only be accessed in the city of Francistown. There is only one airport in Selibe Phikwe which services mostly private airliners as the commercial airliner does not fly into the region. The lack of some of these facilities creates an opportunity for business growth in those areas.





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There is potential for tourism development in Selibe Phikwe. Eco-tourism sites include but are not limited to; Anne Adams Park located right in the middle of town and offers beautiful scenery for local tourists.

Anne Adam’s Park: a place for Relaxation,

Fun, Peace & Tranquility





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There are a few tourist attractions found in Selibe Phikwe most of which are not yet developed. These include but are not limited to; Anne Adams Park located right in the middle of town and offers beautiful scenery for local tourists. There are some archeological and historical sites such as Mothodi site, Mekoro Nature Park etc. if properly developed they have potential to also bring diversity into the area.





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A number of events are held annually in the mining town. These include the annual Phikwe Marathon, Cycling tours, horseback race etc. There are also a number of recreational clubs such as Lion’s Club, Golf Club, Bowling Club etc. These sporting activities have the potential to uplift sports tourism and thereby bring diversity in town.





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Recently a number of tourism studies were commissioned by the government of Botswana through the SPEDU Regional Development Agency (Regional Tourism Study and Tourism Study on Potential of Letsibogo Dam).





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These studies have identified a number of potential projects and initiatives that could boost the tourism offerings in the region. The initiatives also include local communities through their existing and proposed activities.





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Some of these initiatives are still in the early stages of development and face a lot of challenges especially related to funding and infrastructure development. Cultural tourism is one aspect of tourism that is still yet to be explored. There are diverse cultures and ethnic groups in Selibe Phikwe. These include the rich Batswapong and Babirwa cultures which are dominant in the area.





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It should be noted however that the township has a lot of potential for tourism development especially because it is a transit point through Martin’s Drift border post for tourists on their way to Northern Botswana. Most of these tourists are self-drive tourists. This segment market could easily be captured by developing commercialized ready-to use products along the corridor, thereby creating tourist revenue for the region.





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In 2008 there were over 149 000 visitors recorded crossing through the Martin’s Drift Border Post, and this number does not include visitors entering through other small entry points like Plaartjan, Pont drift, Zanzibar and Selibe Phikwe airport.

8. SWOT ANALYSIS





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A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for Selebi Phikwe is outlined in the table below:

STRENGTHSGood physical infrastructure, e.g. factory shells, Dry Port, water, health facilities, schools, roadsAvailability of serviced landTrained personnel (engineering skills, etc.)

WEAKNESSNo scheduled air servicesNegative image of Selebi Phikwe (poor air quality)Lack of sense of “ownership” of the town by inhabitants. High prevalence of HIV/AIDS•Over dependence on the mine•Poor enforcement of statutes•Underdevelopment of recreational facilities

OPPORTUNITIES•Enlightened/Informed community•Economic diversification drive•Information technology•Decentralization•Outsourcing & commercialization•Political intervention•Regional accessibility•Geographical sizeTourism, e.g. handicrafts centre, Letsibogo dam, Tuli Block, tourist circuits•Leisure activities, e.g. water sports•Local “branding”, image enhancement•Exploitation of agricultural potential•Development of training and education facilities.• Utilize infrastructure left behind by BCL

THREATS•HIV/AIDS pandemic•Economic downturn.•Exchange rate fluctuations•Corruption•Shortage of serviced land•Environmental pollution•Closure of BCL mine brought forward by serious fall inworld prices for copper and nickel and depletion of deposits•Decision-taking delayed by bureaucracy and red tape•Lack of national support for local projects•Other towns are more effective or efficient in attracting new investment•Strength of the Pula affects copper and nickel earnings

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING





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• Development Planning in Botswana follows the Integrated Results Based

Management System.• Embraces Integrated Development Planning methods with emphasis on

Bottom-Up approach (Public Participation, social justice, allocative efficiency).

• Development Projects prioritized according to – Economic Growth - Employment Creation

- Economic Diversification - Equity

• The Selebi Phikwe Development Plan(2000-2024) is under review. To align it with the economic diversification drive.

• The Urban Development Plan III(2009-2016) is in pursuant of the Vision 2016 and MDGs key result areas.

• The following studies were conducted to inform development:

1. Study on Diversification of the economy of Selebi Phikwe (CSA: 2006)- Recommended establishment of SPEDU

2. Horticultural and Agricultural Crops Production and Agro-processing Study(SPEDU:2009)

3. Potential for Tourism and Leisure Facilities in and Around S/Phikwe(SPEDU)

4. )





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4. Study on Tourist, Recreation and other related opportunities in the environs of Letsibogo Dam(SPEDU5. Traffic Study (RTS)

9. POSSIBLE AREAS OF COOPERATION





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9.1 Local Economic Development



Following one of the recommendations from the study on the Economic Diversification of Selebi Phikwe, it has been deemed imperative to revive the informal sector to facilitate the diversification of the economy of the town. Selebi Phikwe Town Council does not have the capacity, in terms of skills to facilitate LED and there is need for exchange of skills and experiences in this regard.





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This will accord Selebi Phikwe the opportunity to acquire requisite skills in, among others, determining the local Gross Domestic Product of the town, conducting feasibility studies for projects and formulate various development strategies for the communities. Partnership in this regard is highly recommended.





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9.2 Waste Management



Urban centres around the world have been found to be characterized by high levels of waste generation due to population densities and other unfavorable demographic and economic attributes. It has become apparent that cities in developing countries fall short of dealing with the massive waste that is being generated by their activities. Selebi Phikwe as a mining town, like all other industrialized urban areas is faced with waste management problems.





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During the formative years, the major form of material which was used in construction of housing was asbestos. When gradual improvements were made to the town’s housing the asbestos was replaced with modern building material. Disposal of this asbestos has been a challenge as there are no facilities that can handle this hazardous waste in the country. facilities which can handle this type of waste is in South Africa and due to the provisions of the Basil Convention, the requirements for trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste render it prohibitive.





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Selebi Phikwe finds itself having to contend with tons of hazardous asbestos lying all over the town. There are challenges pertaining to the general waste management due to shortage of resources. Selebi Phikwe Town Council recommends cooperation in these areas to exchange skills and experiences in, inter alia, reclamation, reprocessing and recycling of waste.





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EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ON RECREATION AND LANDSCAPING

• Availability of undeveloped land (recreational spaces)

• Limited skills on landscaping techniques• Availability of recyclable water• Lack of technology to tap recyclable

resources



SELEBI PHIKWE TOWN COUNCIL 85

Thank You Very Much

PRESENTED BY: MR. MOMPATI SELEKA- TOWN CLERK SELEBI PHIKWE TOWN COUNCIL, URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE...

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