13 Dec 2017

Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao has informed Parliament that a total of P853 911 524.91 has been invested in the Science and Technology Park.

Answering a question in Parliament on December 12 from Specially Elected Member of Parliament, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, Mr Molao said out of the amount, P136 million was for  extensive civil infrastructure; which included internal roads, street lights, storm-water drainage, water and electricity reticulation plus establishment of a dedicated electricity substation.

He further said  P717 million was used for the construction of Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) Icon Building.

Meanwhile, he said with respect to the current status, a total of 41 plots were demarcated in the Science and Technology Park, nine of which had been taken up by various companies. 

The allocated plots were at various stages of development. 

The other 10 plots had been set aside for special economic zone for commercial and industrial activity.  

The remaining 23 plots were earmarked for mixed use in line with the Botswana Innovation Hub strategic plan.

Mr Molao said the major undertaking was the BIH Icon Building, which was 90 per cent complete. 

The BIH team and its First Steps Venture Centre clients started to occupy the building at the beginning of this month.

Member of Parliament Kenewendo had asked the assistant minister how much government invested in the Science and Technology Park and what the current status of the park was. ENDS