09 Jul 2015

Ambassador Zheng Zhuqiang of China says the 40-year-old relationship between Botswana and his country is growing strong, despite project problems between Botswana and some Chinese companies.

Briefing the media on July 7, Mr Zhuqiang said the problem between Botswana and the Chinese companies was taken care of by the two parties and the embassy was making sure that all would be resolved amicably. 

He said the Morupule B power project, Francistown stadium and the Sir Seretse khama International Airport were some of the projects which the Chinese companies failed to deliver on time and within specifications. 

The ambassador said these projects were not a testimony to the fact that all Chinese companies were not capable of delivering good quality projects and that some Chinese companies had built and delivered projects on time and within specifications.

He said China fully understood the importance of Morupule B power plant project to people’s livelihood and the economic development of Botswana and said they felt distressed that the project that was constructed by the Chinese company was not fully operational even today. 

Mr Zhuqiang said the cause of the problem was complicated and the relevant authorities of the Chinese government had already interviewed the accountable officials of the company several times, demanding a feasible rehabilitation plan and to negotiate with the Botswana side to fix the problems completely and as soon as possible.

He said his country valued the cordial relationship between Botswana and China and said they would do everything to see to it that the impasse between the companies and the government of Botswana is over. 

He said with regard to further promoting relations between the two countries his Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi invited Botswana Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi to China where upon arrival she met with the Vice President of China Li Yuanchao to cement the ties of the two countries.

The ambassador said China highly appreciates Botswana’s long term efforts in protecting wildlife and strengthening international cooperation in this field. 

The Chinese government donated about P16 million worth of goods to Botswana government for wildlife protection cause. ENDS