05 Dec 2016

The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse, on Friday (December 2) officially opened the expanded Mowana Park Shopping Centre situated in Gaborone.

The first phase of the  mall began in 2005 and over the years it became the preferred shopping destination and in 2013, with the confidence that Phakalane had grown to an extent where there was need for additional shops and restaurants hence the expansion commencing at a cost of P120 million.

Officially opening the mall owned by the Moskovic Group, the minister said during construction of the mall through various contractors on site, provided employment for over 150 Batswana.

“Of great importance and consistent government’s drive and meaningful citizen participation in the economy, all contractors and sub-contractors used on this project were local companies,” he said.

Mr Seretse said the cost at which the mall was constructed was a clear demonstration that the Moskovic Group has confidence, faith and trust in the economy and future of Botswana.

He as a ministry tasked with economic diversification, they have placed the services sector at the frontline of their diversification efforts.

“The services share of GDP has steadily grown over the years around 40 per cent at current, eclipsing traditionally dominant sectors like mining,” he said.

He added that the construction industry continues to make inroads in terms of its share of the GDP in the services sector and thus providing a relief to the economy through the generation of employment opportunities for citizens during post construction.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Moskovic Group for their foresight and confidence in Botswana by investing substantially and that their investment has brought a much needed, extended and world class shopping experience in Phakalane.

He was also pleased that the local shops are being owned by citizen entrepreneurs and currently provides for over 200 Batswana.

In his remarks chief executive officer of Mowana Park Mr Dan Moskovic, said they are proud to have local tenants with various locally developed concepts that shows that the enterprenual spirits in Botswana is high and on par with what the rest of the world has to offer.

He said since they are situated in Phakalane first and foremost their concern is the residents of Phakalane and being able to provide to their needs and they have attempted to bring them shops and restaurants to suit their needs. ENDS