The Police have warned spectators to be cautious during the coming annual Toyota Kalahari 1000 Desert Race (TDR) set to take place from September 24th to 26th in Kumakwane Village.
Speaking at a press conference at the Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO), Divisional Traffic Officer, Senior Superintendent Mtungwa Nsala, said that this year there will be more traffic road blocks for easy monitoring of drivers and spectators during the race.
“I advise all spectators to kindly adhere to road safety and environment regulations and prevent unnecessary tragedies during the race. Drinking and driving is unlawful,” said Nsala.
He pointed out that various spectator points will be fully monitored by police patrols on bikes and in vehicles.
For his part, the Chairman of the Four-wheel Drive Southern Africa, Alan Reid, said that for the last seven years Game City Mall has been used but this year it is under renovation and the race will start and end in Kumakwane Village just outside Gaborone for the next three years.
“We expect about fifty-nine competitors on bikes, quads, and cars. We are excited about the upcoming of Toyota Kalahari 1000km Desert Race this year, and are looking forward to seeing it taking place in Kumakwane,” said Reid. “Sports fanatics are sure to be fully entertained, and we are looking forward to welcoming the tourists who will be visiting Botswana.”
On the issue of benefits to the Kumakwane community, the BTO Marketing Executive, Mmammidi George, said her organization had been engaged in consultative meetings through kgotla meetings.
“We use this race for the upliftment of Kumakwane Village and residents are encouraged to make profit during this event and trading licenses will be issued by the Village Development Committee (VDC) at a fee of P150 to sell food and drinks,” said George.
She also pointed out that a number of businesses reported an increase of 64 percent in business during the 2009 race.
Accommodation facilities, on the other hand, were almost fully booked. Due to the changes in South Africa, there will be national cars, local bikes and quads.
Local bike riders include Lepsy Mosope, Vincent Crosbie, George Haskins, Tshepo Mbakile, Tiro Otlogetswe and Broson Lekgaba.
