13 Aug 2014

The Department of Geological Surveys will be transformed to a parastatal organisation and renamed Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI).

Officially opening the new Department of Geological Surveys headquarters building in Lobatse on August 12, Mr Mokaila said the department stood at the threshold of greatness.

He noted that the department has given over 1 000 exploration licences, adding that it also facilitates private companies to advance their exploration programmes.

The minister promised the staff of the department that his ministry would do everything in its power to retain them as the organisation transformed to a geoscience institute before considering the early exit option.

Mr Mokaila also noted that the country had a huge potential for mineral wealth. He said it was up to Batswana to harness the potential by coming forward and leading the mining industry.

“My ministry has taken the position that for as long as there is a Motswana who can do a job in the mining sector, we will go to him as a priority rather than to somebody who comes from outside,” he said.

He said locals should also take up the challenge by giving their best and what was appropriate. He, however, expressed happiness at what was happening in the sector. Minister Mokaila also said if it had not been for mineral wealth, the country could not have developed to the same degree it had.

In his welcome remarks, the Department of Geological Surveys (DGS) director, Mr Tiyapo Ngwisanyi noted that the department had been a landmark of Lobatse for many years as it was first established in 1948. 

Mr Ngwisanyi said although the celebration was about the physical transformation of a building, for the department’s staff, it was a larger and more ambitious organisational transformation. He said the new headquarters building provided a more conducive working environment for staff.

“Not only has the buildings improved the aesthetic appearance of Lobatse, but it has also improved to some degree the morale of employees,” he said.

Although he cited some challenges such as the air conditioning of the building, he said the staff now works under a more dignified physical environment.

He said the laboratory equipment used in the buildings would now perform optimally without interference from each other and the elements, thus ensuring reliable results. The buildings, which were built in two phases at a cost of close to P118 million, has an auditorium that can sit 194 people.

Giving a vote of thanks, area Member of Parliament, Mr Nehemiah Modubule said the building and operation of the new buildings were long overdue and was thankful that after much delays, they were now in full operation.

Mr Modubule called on relevant authorities to assure that they do not relocate the geological services as it has happened with other institutions such as the teacher training college and the High Court. ENDS