19 Mar 2018

Members of Parliament have called on Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development to fast-track National Housing Policy to address shortage of accommodation for civil servants and the public.

Commenting after the ministry presentation of budget proposal for 2018/2019, MPs said shortage of accommodation remained a topical challenge that affected all constituencies.

MP for Boteti West, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the need for adequate and affordable housing remained a challenge, hence Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) should encourage home ownership by catering for various income groups of the population and not only concentrate in urban areas.

MP for Bobonong, Mr Shaw Kgathi said ethical conduct and professionalism in construction industry should be exercised and that the ministry should ensure that licenses of contractors who were not abiding were confiscated especially those that submitted buildings that were not up to the required standards.

Shoshong MP, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said he was happy with regards to progress made in youth construction companies. He called for housing needs assessment. MP for Letlhakeng-Lephepe, Mr Liakat Kablay said shortage of accommodation for public officers was rife in his constituency especially for teachers and health officers.

He called for refurbishment of government buildings particularly Rural Administration Centre at Letlhakeng and Ngware clinic which he said had dire defects.

Jwaneng MP, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile called on the ministry to make an assessment as to why most buildings in Jwaneng were cracking.

He also called on government to consider developing Jwaneng because it was the main contributor to the development of the country, but had very old buildings.

Mahalapye West MP, Mr Joseph Molefhe called on government to overhaul old government buildings in his constituency, adding that the district administration had no capacity to do so.

He also called for strict supervision for all government projects to ensure timelines were met and that there were no cost overruns.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskings Nkaigwa called for affordable BHC houses for youth. Ends