23 Jul 2013

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse has told Parliament that type five houses do not exist in the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).

Answering a question, Mr Seretse said the houses had since been upgraded to E-type houses with two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and toilet. He also said barracks could mean a large building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.

The minister added that most BDF officers, married and unmarried, stayed in officer accommodation in the barracks and there were no officers staying in the improved type five houses.

He explained that an officer in the army was someone who held authority and a commission.  He further explained that commission was a warrant conferring rank of military officer.  MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi asked the minister to explain the kind of houses referred to as barracks and type five and how many married army officers were staying in barracks and type five houses respectively. ENDS