29 Jun 2015

One of Botswana’s historic motor dealers, Ngami Toyota, has extended its dealership to the Chobe community in Kazungula. 

Speaking during official launch of the new workshop, the Chobe District commissioner, Dr Themba Mmusi said it was no secret that such facilities would go a long way in addressing the challenges faced in the district due to unavailability of vehicle servicing, repair and motor dealership. 

Dr Mmusi said in the past when they wanted to service their vehicles they had to take them either to Gaborone, Francistown or Maun, which was not cost effective because the long journey back always imposed an immediate need for another service.

He further explained that the new facility came at an opportune time when the focus was primarily on the creation of employment and bringing quality services closer to people.

“It is therefore my ardent hope and wish that when this facility is fully operational, it will have value addition to the local economic development in terms of job opportunities,” he stated.

He explained that the venture was not an easy task because the shortage of land always posed a potential threat which could have forced Toyota to opt for Ghanzi instead of Kasane for the workshop.

He said that he wanted to implore the government, parastatals and other entities charged with the responsibility to provide service to ensure that they avoided entangling themselves in the chain of bureaucracy where policies, programmes and strategies did not complement each other.

In addition, he emphasised that the position of the government was clear that service delivery must always be a priority with the reduction of red tape. 

He requested the residents of Chobe to utilise the facility to the fullest because for it to function effectively it has to register a good clientele.

Ms Sharon Visser, from Ngami Toyota said as a brand they were known for working with communities within which they operated and that they had a history of giving back.

The Ngami Toyota workshop Kasane manager, Ms Feme Ntshwabi said they were still waiting for the Chobe land board to allocate them land in order for the workshop grow bigger considering its nearness to international borders and Pandamatenga farms.

“People from neighboring countries are likely to service their vehicles and this could result in the Kasane branch growing larger than the Ngami dealership,” she opined.

She explained that as soon as the Chobe Land Board had allocated a piece of land to them they would look into changing the workshop into a dealership. 

The workshop has in its employ seven staff members, including two technicians from Chobe Brigade, who received further training in Maun; two car wash hands; two night watchmen; and a supervisor. ENDS