19 Sep 2016

While the government is developing 118 turnkey housing units in Francistown through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) as way of providing decent accommodation for the citizenry, just a few months after the ground breaking ceremony already there are some who are not part of the turnkey, but are singing hymns of praises about the programme.

One such is Mr Thomas Modie originally from Makaleng. When he purchased a two and half bedroomed house at Gerald Estate in 2013, little did he know that greater things were coming his way.

Mr Modie, who is a teacher by profession and also a farmer, said since November 2015 his house has been vacant. Fortunately in February this year the contractor that is responsible for servicing land in Gerald Estate under the ESP leased his house for six months.

He is delighted because not only is he sure of the six months rental, but the contract has upscaled the house as the new tenants installed two air conditioners and have promised to leave them when they vacate. He said he could not have imagined installing the air conditioners from his own pocket.

“What will only be left for me will be to erect a screen wall so that the house attracts a better rent,” said the Mr Modie who could not hide his excitement.

Mr Modie noted that ESP is a noble initiative by the government as it will keep the economy stimulated for years to come.

He cited that even those who do not benefit directly will benefit because with developed roads and other infrastructure they will get commodities at affordable prices.

He said he also appreciates that with the ESP some public servants will get accommodation and this will enhance productivity and take the country to greater heights.

Meanwhile, the Francistown ESP projects kicked off in March 14 and are expected to be completed this month.

One of the projects is the bulk servicing of land in Gerald Estate Block 1 and the Central Business District (CBD) and covers 3 632 plots of mixed use.

The land covers 470 hectares that covers pipeline of 26 kilometres at a cost of P19.9million. Still under the ESP the Ministry of Lands and Housing is developing 118 SHHA Turnkey housing units at over P10 million.

With the bulk servicing of land particularly in the CBD one anticipates that the outcry of the residents of Gerald Estate of lack of shops will be answered.

Currently, residents travel about 10 kilometres to the shops to buy grocery and those who use public transport are in addition to paying the transport fare expected to pay extra P1 for every 12.5kg that they purchased. ENDS