23 Jul 2015

Strategically located a short drive into Letlhakane, adjacent to the main tarred road leading towards Letlhakane and Orapa Townships, Boteti’s first casino and hotel will open to the public on August 1.

The two-winged awe-inspiring sprawling facility provides a scenic arrival into Letlhakane. It comprises an all-encompassing mix of a world class 50 slot machine casino, hotel resort, conference venue, chalets and a recreational centre with a long course swimming pool, casino bars, restaurants and other entertainment amenities and board rooms.

Beaming with pride, hotel co-owner and managing director Mr Elijah Katse told BOPA during a tour of the facility that the classy establishment was due and ready for occupation in August.

“After months of delays, I can confirm that we will open to the public on August 1,” he said with conviction.

Mr Katse said he is adamant that the official opening will not be deferred this time around as they were in the final stages of inspection, due-diligence and compliance.

“Out of 50 rooms, 30 are complete and ready for occupation. We will start with these 30 rooms and the conferencing venue.
 

The remaining 22 will be complete thereafter,” he said. Mr Katse said the casino and hotel was due to open in January 2015, but was put on hold due to construction and logistical impediments.

Mr Katse, a long time hotelier with considerable experience in the casino and hospitality industry, has indicated that along with the four diamond mines in close proximity to Letlhakane - Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Karowe - the new hotel and casino will breathe life into Letlhakane.

“With the opening of this hotel and casino, we have created 100 new direct jobs. We will be offering first class accommodation as well as a casino for recreation and entertainment. This is set to transform Letlhakane and Boteti in general,” he said.

He said the hotel and casino would completely change night life in Boteti, adding that it will revolutionise family outings and bring big and prestigious events to the village.

“With a world class facility like this, companies no longer have to seek accommodation in Francistown. The mines and businesses in the area will have a place to host their events. The village would be able to host events that were previously hosted only in cities,” he said.

The impressive two-storey facility with glowing glitterati lights in the brand new casino was funded by the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and is 100 per cent citizen-owned. Mr Katse says P45 million has been spent up to date to fully complete the property. Ends