Authorities in Gaborone have stepped up preparations as the city gets ready to host one of the most significant international sporting events on its calendar. The upcoming World Athletics Relays is expected to bring athletes, officials and visitors from across the world to Botswana in May. This anticipated influx of international guests has prompted local authorities to focus on safety, infrastructure and service delivery. The Gaborone City Council and the Botswana Police Service have intensified discussions to ensure the capital city is ready to host the global athletics event. Their renewed engagement followed a courtesy call held on 5 March 2026 at Police Headquarters.
The meeting brought together key leadership figures including Oarabile Motlaleng, Mayor of Gaborone, and Dinah Marathe, Commissioner of Police. Their discussions focused on challenges that could affect public safety and efficient service delivery in the city. Both leaders acknowledged that international sporting events require a well coordinated response from local authorities. Infrastructure readiness, emergency response capability and public safety systems all play a major role in ensuring a successful event. The conversation therefore centered on practical steps that can improve safety across the capital before the arrival of athletes and spectators.
One of the major concerns raised during the discussions involved inadequate street lighting in several parts of the city. Commissioner Dinah Marathe noted that poorly lit streets create conditions that may encourage criminal activity and reduce public safety. Limited visibility also increases risks for pedestrians, motorists and visitors unfamiliar with the city. The issue becomes even more important when large numbers of international visitors are expected to move around the city during the event. Improving street lighting is therefore seen as a key step toward creating a safe and welcoming environment.
The Commissioner also highlighted operational challenges faced by police officers when responding to emergency calls. Some residential areas have properties without clearly visible house numbers, which makes it difficult for officers to locate addresses quickly. In emergency situations, delays of even a few minutes can affect the effectiveness of police response. Clear property identification helps emergency teams reach affected locations faster and improves coordination during incidents. Property owners have therefore been urged to mark their premises clearly to support law enforcement operations.
Another issue raised during the meeting involved traffic infrastructure damage caused by reckless motorists. Several traffic lights, commonly known as robots, have reportedly been knocked down in recent incidents. These damages disrupt traffic flow and create safety hazards for both motorists and pedestrians. The Botswana Police Service emphasized the need for stricter penalties to discourage negligent driving and vandalism. Stronger enforcement measures can help protect public infrastructure and maintain safe road conditions across the city.
Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng acknowledged the concerns raised by the police and assured that the city council is already addressing some of the infrastructure challenges. One of the key initiatives currently underway involves the installation of solar powered street lighting throughout the city. The council plans to install about 40,000 solar street lights in different neighborhoods to significantly improve visibility and safety. Solar lighting offers a reliable and sustainable solution that can operate even during power interruptions. This large scale investment aims to transform poorly lit areas into safer spaces for residents and visitors.
The mayor also outlined ongoing debushing initiatives designed to clear overgrown and neglected spaces around the city. Thick vegetation in abandoned or poorly maintained areas can create hiding places for criminal elements. Clearing these spaces improves visibility and reduces opportunities for illegal activity. The program also helps prevent cable theft and other forms of infrastructure damage that can affect service delivery. These clean up operations form part of a broader plan to ensure the city looks orderly and secure ahead of the international athletics event.
Both the Gaborone City Council and the Botswana Police Service emphasized the importance of working together to address these challenges quickly. Their cooperation ensures that safety planning, infrastructure upgrades and law enforcement strategies move forward in a coordinated manner. Hosting the World Athletics Relays offers Botswana an opportunity to showcase its organizational capacity and hospitality to a global audience. Proper planning and strong partnerships between institutions play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The joint commitment demonstrated during the meeting highlights a shared determination to prepare the capital city effectively.
As the countdown to the World Athletics Relays continues, authorities remain focused on ensuring that Gaborone is safe, organized and ready to welcome international guests. Investments in street lighting, improved infrastructure and proactive law enforcement strategies will contribute to a secure environment for athletes and spectators. Continued cooperation between city officials and police leadership strengthens the city’s ability to manage large international events. These efforts reflect a clear commitment to public safety and efficient urban management. With these preparations underway, Gaborone is positioning itself to host the prestigious athletics event with confidence and professionalism.
