20 Feb 2025

Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi, has during a recent visit to the site of a new housing development at Matlapana emphasised the importance of producing quality work.

 He told  the contractor engaged in the construction of 45 housing units for the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) to adhere to the project’s specifications, budget, and timeline.

Mr Ramogapi expressed concern over the performance of some citizen-owned contractors, highlighting instances of poor workmanship and abandonment of projects, which hinder government efforts to empower local businesses.

“Government finds it costly to rectify shoddy work,” Mr Ramogapi stated, urging contractors to fulfill their obligations responsibly.

He also called on project inspectors to ensure rigorous supervision and quality verification of materials used in the construction.

Despite expressing these concerns, Mr Ramogapi was pleased to learn that the project was progressing well and that some building materials have been sourced from local suppliers. However, he noted that some materials have been obtained from as far away as Francistown and Mosetse.

BHC Chief Executive Officer Mr Nkaelang Matenge informed the minister that the 45 housing units had been awarded to a local contractor, with plans to allocate additional units to other local firms.  He emphasised that the project not only aims to address the housing shortage but also strives to foster citizen economic empowerment.

The housing units, which will cover low, medium, and high-income categories, reflect BHC’s commitment to designing and developing quality modern homes that meet current demands. Mr Matenge acknowledged the challenges of sourcing building materials locally, especially in areas like Maun, where logistics often necessitate procurement from outside the region.

Contractor Mr Veko Gaogane reported that the project is currently at nine percent completion, noting that construction has commenced. He assured stakeholders of his commitment to delivering a quality project that adheres to safety and design standards. ENDS