22 Jul 2014

The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila has tabled before parliament a Bill that seeks to establish the first geo-science institute in the country.


Presenting the Botswana Geoscience Bill, Mr Mokaila said the purpose of the proposed geoscience institute will be among others to undertake research in the field of geosciences and provide specialised geo-scientific services.


He said the bill will also seek to empower the institute to be the custodian of geo-science information, exploration of any mineral in the country as well as act as an advisory body in respect of geo-hazards among others.


Mr Mokaila said the rationale behind establishing such an institute is meant to among others advance and provide comprehensive, objective, impartial and up-to-date geo-scientific knowledge in the country through geothematic surveying.


He said the institute will also be responsible for disseminating geoscience information to the community and promote the public understanding of the science as well as demonstrate its importance to resource and environmental issues.


Mr Mokaila also said the institute will be responsible for regulating the mining industry operations to ensure that mineral resources are exploited in the most efficient way, as well as maximise economic benefits for the nation while at the same time enabling private investors to earn competitive returns.


“The institute will also create a competitive environment to stimulate private sector investment in mineral exploration and exploitation, through easy access of geological information,” he said.


Mr Mokaila said to enable the Botswana Geoscience Institute to achieve its policy objectives, it will collaborate with other existing institutes such as Botswana Institute of Technology, Research and Innovation, Botswana University of Science and Technology and the University of Botswana, but with more focus on the field of geosciences.


Mr Mokaila also informed the House that the establishment of the institute will lead to financial spinoffs, and that based on geoscience information and services provided by the institute, the diversification of mineral based investments will create more employment and revenue to government.


Mr Mokaila said after its establishment, the current functions of the Department of Geological Surveys will be the responsibility of the new institute, and that consultations with employees, unions, other ministries and the Lobatse Town Council where the Department of Geological Surveys is currently located are still on.


He said it should be noted that the Department of Geological Surveys lacks both the capacity and capability to carry its responsibilities out effectively as a department within the ministry.

He  said in some instances the department  is unable to recruit and retain high quality staff within the ministry’s pay scales.


Mr Mokaila said this then hinders the geoscience sector from performing at optimal efficiency, with detriment to the national economy and the society.
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