12 May 2016

By end of the three-year Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), 37 000 plots would have been serviced.

The Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele, said this when officially launching the programme in Tutume on May 9.

Mr Maele said of the 37 000 plots, 1 480 plots would be serviced at Magapatona ward in Tutume and they would include 30 commercial and 18 industrial plots.

He said among other projects earmarked for this financial year was construction of the 32km gravel road within the plots as well as construction of 50 Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC).

Mr Maele informed the gathering that the contractor, Dern Enterprises had been given until the end of next month to show progress of the P4.2 million project.  

The minister further highlighted that the Magapatona project would create employment for about 18 young people.

Mr Maele explained that through ESP, government aimed at escalating employment opportunities for Batswana and therefore implored the public to go out and take advantage of such projects in order to earn a living.

He emphasised to the companies engaged that they should see to it that Batswana were employed to do the work instead of preferring cheap labour offered by their foreign counterparts from across the borders.

A representative of the contractors, Mr Orateng Basutli, who is a young contractor, said they were highly appreciative of the government for having given them an opportunity as young contractors made their mark in the construction industry.

He said they were pledging their commitment to do outstanding works on all the projects awarded to them within the time frame and budget.

“This is a life time opportunity for us to prove ourselves and mark our signature in the industry that we can deliver,” he said. ENDS