02 Jun 2015

The development of the proposed government bulk petroleum storage depot, which is estimated to cost P1.1 billion is expected to be completed by December 2017.

The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR), Mr Kitso Mokaila who visited the project site at Tshele Hills near Rasesa recently said, “this is a very important project for the country because it will address fuel shortage that Botswana experiences time and again.”

Speaking during a brief meeting on the update of the project with project managers and other stakeholders at Rasesa Lodge, Minister Mokaila said government took a decision to move the fuel storage facilities from Gaborone to a much safer place and also increase the storing capacity.

He further said Botswana used around 1.2 billion litres of fuel every year and with time, the amount will increase therefore its very critical that such projects are made well on time to prepare for the future.

Minister Mokaila thanked Bakgatla for giving them the storage depot plot for use which would benefit the country at large. He said his intention was to make sure that all projects running under his ministry are completed well on time and on schedule.

Mr Mokaila said the project of this magnitude must be completed so that Batswana could benefit. He advised the project team to consult him whenever they encounter challenges.

Giving a brief on the progress of the project, the project manager from the ministry, Mr Walter Naolakgosi said the project entails the construction of a 161 million litre storage facility for petrol, diesel and paraffin.

He said there was also the construction of a 14 kilometre access rail from Malotwane, 4.2km of an access road and a 4.8 km dual carriage (road over Rail Bridge).

Mr Naolakgosi said the project has been designed to cater as a future supply pipeline terminal and Tshele Hills area has also been tailored to serve as a southern zone fuel storage and distribution hub.

He added that provision of land had been made for companies willing to develop their own storage facilities to be accommodated in the Tshele hill area.

Giving a vote of thanks, Member of Parliament for Mochudi West, Mr Gilbert Mangole said it was joy for them as Bakgatla to see developments coming to their district.

He said projects such as this one create employment and business opportunities for the locals.

Mr Mangole added that people would benefit from rentals while at the same time the value of their properties would go high. ENDS