02 Sep 2014

Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) recently commenced the fourth batch of SHHA turnkey projects in Ghanzi.

BHC took over the SHHA projects two years back after a Presidential Cabinet Directive CAB 20 (b) of July 2010 was issued that all housing projects be coordinated under a single authority.

In his address at the ground breaking ceremony for Ghanzi North constituency project, BHC chief executive officer, Mr Reginald Motswaiso said the project was underway and at various stages of completion in a number of constituencies; while in the North East constituency BHC  managed to deliver a number of SHHA turnkey houses.

The construction of SHHA turnkey houses in Ghanzi District, Mr Motswaiso said, comprised 34 houses with 17 each for both Ghanzi north and Ghanzi south constituencies.

The construction duration according to him, was expected to be 16 weeks from the commencement of the project.

He further explained that houses in Ghanzi North will be constructed at a total of P2.2 million while in Ghanzi south constituency the construction will cost P2.1 million.

He also said Kota Construction and Great Land Construction had been appointed to construct the SHHA turnkey houses respectively in both constituencies.

A single unit, Mr Motswaiso noted will be constructed at a total of P125 000 which he said is double the allocated funds for SHHA turnkey houses.

The allocated funds for a single unit of SHHA turnkey house is P60 000.

He explained that the double costs was a result of high prices for materials and transportation to such areas as Ghanzi and others like Maun, Okavango, Ngami and Chobe.

He noted that P136 000 will be used to construct a house in areas like Maun, Chobe, Ngami and Okavango; but nevertheless he said beneficiaries will still be expected to pay back the loans of P60 000 as is the agreement.

In the first batch, Mr Motswaiso said they experienced challenges where construction was delayed as contractors abandoned projects halfway.

Therefore he said to address this, BHC took a deliberate decision to now engage contractors in category B in addition to the OC and A contractors that have performed well in the first batch.

He however, encouraged beneficiaries of the turnkey houses to take interest during the construction of their houses.

He said this will ensure that delays are avoided and projects completed on schedule and on budget.

He also added that as BHC subscribe to quality standards in construction of houses, they therefore will ensure monitoring and supervision during the construction of all SHHA turnkey houses.

The SHHA turnkey houses have a six month defects liability period which is meant to take care of all defects upon completion and handover of a house.

It is with this that Mr Motswaiso implored beneficiaries to occupy their houses as soon as they are handed over so that they are able to identify any defects in the house in six months period upon handing over. Ends