Botswana has inaugurated a free outdoor community gym in Francistown, aimed at improving public health and road safety. Located near the high-density suburb of Block 7 and along the Gaborone-Francistown highway, the facility was unveiled in May 2024, following construction that began in October 2023.
The gym, equipped with weights, jump ropes, squat racks, dumbbells, adjustable benches, and aerobic steps, cost approximately 70,000 pula (about 5,600 USD) to build. Its primary goal is to offer a cost-effective fitness solution to the local community, where many residents struggle with the expenses of private gym memberships, which can range between 300 and 400 pula per month.
Francistown City Council Mayor Godisang Radisigo highlighted the gym’s dual purpose: aiding in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting road safety. The facility is expected to benefit at least 5,000 people in the region.
Botswana faces a significant burden from NCDs, which constituted 46 percent of deaths in 2019. A World Health Organization report indicated high age-standardised mortality rates for major NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Radisigo emphasised that regular exercise can help in managing and preventing these conditions.
The gym’s location along the Gaborone-Francistown highway also addresses road safety concerns. Statistics from the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund reveal that 60 percent of road fatalities in Botswana occur on this highway. Radisigo suggested that the gym could help reduce driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in road accidents.
Motorist Tshepo Maiketso, who is receiving support from the MVA Fund after a road accident, acknowledged the benefits of incorporating exercise into travel routines to maintain alertness. Similarly, Tumelo Marumoagae, a physiotherapist at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, noted that regular physical activity alleviates muscle tension, which can be particularly beneficial for long-distance drivers.
The introduction of this facility marks a significant step in Botswana’s efforts to enhance public health and road safety through accessible fitness solutions. Plans are in place to establish additional gyms across the country to further address these issues.
