18 Apr 2024

With the aim of fostering economic growth, government made a conscious decision to implement policies that promote self-sufficiency in power generation and distribution, leading to a consistent and reliable electricity supply in Botswana.

This decision resulted in the government launching a P98 million 132/11kV power substation project in Tlokweng on April 17. The Tlokweng substation is a key component of the Infrastructure Reinforcement Project, designed to alleviate power supply constraints in areas surrounding Gaborone.

During the launch of the Tlokweng Substation 132/11kV project, Mr Lefoko Moagi, Minister of Minerals and Energy, stated that the project was successfully completed within the estimated budget. 

He highlighted the necessity for upgrading and expanding electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure due to the rapid growth of villages around Gaborone, including Tlokweng, Mochudi, and Ramotswa.

Mr Moagi emphasised the critical role that electricity played in any modern society, stating that the establishment of the Tlokweng Substation was crucial to meeting this basic need. 

He also referenced the recent success of the Mochudi substation as a testament to the government’s continuous commitment to enhancing the quality of life through ongoing development efforts. 

Mr Moagi said that the Tlokweng substation houses some of the latest technology in electricity transmission and distribution. 

He said in an effort to achieve reliable electricity access his ministry had initiated the ‘Zero Connection Project’ through Botswana Power Corporation allowing Batswana to apply for and receive domestic electricity connections at no charge. 

He said the Tlokweng substation project was aligned with Citizen Economic Empowerment (CEE) and the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) as it had involved 22 citizen owned companies, whose expertise were instrumental in realising the success of the project, concurrently generating 246 employment opportunities for Batswana during construction phase. 

He applauded all stakeholders that were involved in the project for a collaborative effort which underscored that development was achieved through inclusive engagement and stakeholder collaboration. 

Mr Moagi has implored the community to safeguard the substation against any form of vandalism and theft of copper cables. 

He said such acts would not only jeopardise their well-being but also incur substantial costs to government. 

In his remarks BPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr David Kgoboko concurred with Minister Moagi that the Tlokweng substation was part of the Infrastructure Reinforcement Project aimed at addressing power supply constraints in areas surrounding Gaborone. 

Mr Kgoboko said the project entailed construction and installation of huge power transformers, switch room and associated switchgear to facilitate connection to the existing Segoditshane 132kV power line. 

Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa and also chairman of Ntlo ya Dikgosi has shown gratitude to government and other stakeholders that were involved in the project as it was a welcome development that will not only change the well-being of Batlokwa but will also attract global investors to grow Batlokwa’s economy and that of Botswana at large. Ends