08 Sep 2014

Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) recently hosted a ground breaking ceremony to mark the SHAA Turnkey Project at Kazungula in the Chobe District.

BHC chief executive officer, Mr Reginald Motswaiso said this was the first of 17 units that would be built in the district. “Seventeen units will be built in total, seven in Lesoma, six in Kazungula,one in Satau, Kachikau and Kavimba,” he said.

Addressing the lingering question on the delay to start up the project in the district, he said the initial cost placed aside for building such houses was P60 000 which had proven to be too little.

Mr Motswaiso said that an amount of P132 000 would be used to build houses placed under the project in the Chobe District. He also added that from the latter amount only P60 000 would be paid back over a period of 20 years by beneficiaries.

The CEO advised that the beneficiary, Ms Boshana Motimane should keep a close eye on the construction of her house. He said that this would allow her to monitor progress. 

He also emphasised that the village leaders should work hand in hand with the beneficiary to ensure that the construction of her house is completed.

“Construction should take 16-24 weeks,” noted Mr Motswaiso.

Chobe District Council chairperson, Mr Mwanota Kachana said that the waiting list stood at 209 applicants and encouraged beneficiaries or those who are yet to benefit to pay back the P60 000 so that other Batswana could benefit from the project as well.

Ms Motimane appreciated to have received a favourable response from her application to SHAA. “I would not have been able to build a house for my family on my own, I am happy that the load has been lightened, said Ms Motimane. 

She said with her retirement being 12 years away she is positive that she would be able to pay back the P60 000 in the next 10 years.

She added that she would have preferred larger bedrooms to accommodate her family but despite that she is satisfied. ENDS