04 Apr 2016

The Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) will construct 50 low cost houses at Magapatona ward in Tutume.

Speaking during a consultative meeting in Tutume recently, BHC acting manager-land acquisition and preparation, Mr Shimane Mongati said they are still undertaking an environmental assessment before the project commences. 

He explained that they have engaged an environmental stewart to conduct the assessment at the plot where the houses will be built.

Highlighting on their progress, environmentalist Ms Angela Lesedi said they are operating in line with the Environmental Assessment Act which states that there should be consultation with the residents regarding the developments that will be brought to them before any activity is carried out.

Ms Lesedi further said that they are assessing the environment where the BHC houses will be constructed in order to identify the impact of the project on the community.

“We will also look into making sure that the employees are always safe and secure during the construction period and ensuring that access roads do not cause any inconvenience to the residents’ day to day routine,” she said.

Ms Lesedi also said that they will also work hand in hand with the health facilitators to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS and other infections during construction period. She nonetheless said construction of BHC houses can come in handy for the villagers because it is going to create jobs which will reduce the high unemployment rate in the country.

She added that construction of the houses will reduce shortage of accommodation in Tutume especially to government employees while at the same time bringing investors thus further the development of the village’s economy. Ends