22 Sep 2014

Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology says his ministry is closely working with the private sector to finalise an instrument that would regulate contractors.

Mr Swartz said at the Builders Expo and PPC Construction summit on September 19 that the process was expected to be completed before August next year.

He said his ministry recently launched regulatory instruments and frameworks for self-regulation of other three key professions namely the Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors. These, he said were critical tools and necessary checks and balances which would ensure that critical elements which supported professionalism by consultants and contractors were adhered to.

“It is imperative at this stage as we are transitioning from the current unregulated environment to a regulated one to do so with hindsight and avoid being caught up in the past,” said Minister Swartz. He said the current industry image was not too pleasing and the ministry’s quest was to allow the industry to take its rightful place as a key economic driver.

He further said government continued to encourage the private sector to establish strong development partnerships with her and his ministry had always extended an invitation to the private sector to join hands in building a strong and vibrant construction industry for improved performance.

Again, Minister Swartz said even though the Botswana construction industry had evolved and continued to evolve rapidly; it was faced with some challenges. “We are still troubled by many impediments but largely excessive fragmentation which continues to impede our efficiency gains,” he said.

He indicated that the overall contribution of the construction industry to the country’s GDP has grown to the current 7.7 per cent from around 4.7 per cent in 2000. Minister Swartz applauded the financial sector for coming on board to fund the private sector in the construction industry.

Speaking on opportunities that existed within the construction industry, Mr Swartz said the country had huge possibilities of investment to provide building as well as civil infrastructure through the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“This is an untapped area with huge potential for those who have the requisite skills and the resources,” he said, adding other investment potential is in the area of refurbishment, rehabilitation and maintenance of ageing public infrastructure.

Minister Swartz said the ministry had recently completed its maintenance strategy which is currently being piloted. “The allocation for infrastructure development and major maintenance in the current financial year stands at about P6bn,” he said. 

The Builder’s Expo and Construction summit was held at Airport Junction mall and it was the first of its kind and would be held annually. ENDS