The forty nine recently opened business stalls situated at the Boshabelo Reya Hola Complex, have given the Botshabelo Central Business District a face lift. The new construction development is an asset to the area.
The business stalls are equipped with electricity meter boxes, a tap and a sink for washing hands. Many of the hawkers running the business stalls said they were happy with the business centre. The only challenge they face is that customers have not yet become used to the new business centre, which makes business slow. However, they are positive that in time things will change.
A business stall owner, Dora Ralitabo, told Voice that the former Executive Mayor, Thabo Manyoni, promised to build the stalls during an official visit to the complex in 2006. “He came to hear about the challenges we as hawkers are facing. He promised to build us the business centre we are using today because we used to operate in shacks and tents,” she said.
“We are also grateful to Olly Mlamleli for this business centre. This a gift we hold close to our hearts. Today I can operate my fast foods business professionally because I can pay for electricity and I have clean, running water. Business is slow right now because our clients are not used to this new setup, but in time things will be back to normal. We asked for sliding doors because the dust gets in easily and we are also worried about the upcoming rain season,” added Ralitabo.
She concluded that she would be happy to see other places in the metro being recipients of this kind of business centre.
– Lebakeng Nkabi
[email protected]
