Lobatse Town Council Unveils New FNB App to Enhance Revenue Collection
Lobatse, Botswana – In a bid to improve revenue collection and adapt to digital trends, Lobatse Town Council has launched a new mobile application in partnership with First National Bank (FNB). The initiative, announced during a Full Council meeting on Monday, aims to simplify the process of paying property rates for local residents.
Mayor Aron Ganakgomo stated that integrating digital technology was essential for maximizing revenue efficiency. “Lobatse Town Council has been officially recognized as a Public Recipient with FNB, which means we can tap into their extensive property market influence,” he said. This collaboration is expected to significantly increase convenience for property owners, allowing them to make payments from the comfort of their own homes.
According to Ganakgomo, approximately 60 to 65 percent of the property market in Lobatse falls under FNB, making this an opportune time to launch the app. With the platform, residents can log in and pay their council rates through mobile banking or online transactions, thereby easing the financial burden on both the council and the community.
In addition to the app, the council is also enhancing remote payment options through a Payment Gateway. This will enable both FNB and non-FNB customers to pay their rates at any time, further widening access to payment methods. “We urge residents to make use of these modern payment platforms to clear any outstanding debts,” he added.
Ganakgomo pointed out that as of the start of the 2024/2025 financial year, Lobatse Town Council was facing a significant rates debt exceeding P23 million, with only about P3 million collected from outstanding arrears. The current financial year has seen a collection of slightly over P1 million, representing just 20 percent of the target P5 million. The mayor expressed optimism that the new FNB App will facilitate real-time payments, improve collection rates, and enhance compliance among residents.
The financial pressure on the council is compounded by a challenging fiscal environment both at the national and local levels. Despite the hurdles faced in previous quarters, Ganakgomo reported that the council was able to execute essential services by adopting strict austerity measures and prioritizing cash flow management. Remarkably, the council has performed well in revenue collection since January 2026, amassing P151 million against a target of P165 million, which translates to a commendable collection rate of 92 percent.
This achievement reflects the council’s commitment to delivering essential services effectively. Councillor Stephen Mpofu from Peleng Central officially welcomed the introduction of the FNB App. In an interview, he noted that the app would make the payment process significantly easier for residents, reducing long queues and associated travel costs. The digitization of financial transactions is expected to streamline operations and lessen paperwork, ultimately benefiting both the government and the community.
Councillor Gofaone Kedise pointed out that Lobatse Town Council currently faces over P35 million in owed property rates. He emphasized, “We are embracing the digitization of government services, and any initiative that aids in collecting rates is welcome. We must ensure access to payment platforms so that residents can meet their financial obligations.”
Kedise also stressed the importance of generating revenue within councils that rely on government grants, as these funds are critical for maintaining quality services. Failure to collect rates jeopardizes various statutory services, including infrastructure development, waste management, and social programs.
Concluding the discussion, councillors assured residents that utilizing online payment platforms is vital for enabling the council to operate efficiently and deliver quality services. The council aims not only to boost revenue collection but also to foster a culture of timely payments among residents, ensuring the sustainability of essential services across the community.
As Lobatse continues to embrace digital solutions, residents can look forward to increased convenience in managing their property rates, contributing to the overall development of the town.
— Reported by Nexio News
