26 Jul 2018

Francistown City mayor,  Ms Sylvia Muzila has said the just ended mining and construction expo will allow companies operating in the industry to maximise opportunities.

Officiating at the opening of the Trade Up North Mining and Construction Expo in Francistown recently, Ms Muzila noted that the expo was expected to play a pivotal role in helping Batswana link with a broad spectrum of countries and create a platform in minerals development with the desired result being to shape and grow a better mining and construction sector.

“In addition, there will be a possibility to establish contracts that may allow for engagement with other mining industries in the region or across Botswana’s borders,” she added.

Ms Muzila further said that the expo would bring companies closer to customers and also provide an opportunity for contractors and buyers to meet stakeholders on a one on one basis adding that the fact that the inaugural event was hosted in Francistown will motivate businesses to plan in the direction of the industry.

“For those who have been affected by the unfortunate situation of the closure of the mines, the exhibition is the perfect platform for you to market your expertise in the mining arena,” she said

She concluded by emphasizing that the expo afforded people working within the industry a chance to meet up, make new contracts, technology transfer as well as establishing business linkages for identifying potential investors.

In an interview with BOPA, the corporate affairs manager at Debswana, Ms Naledi Dikgomo-Goulden noted that the expo was a great opportunity for Debswana to connect with their different stakeholders such as the media fraternity, the public and their suppliers who might be interested in knowing what Debswana was all about.

“Debswana has been in existence for 49 years and we want to use this opportunity to reach out to Batswana and explain what diamonds are doing for Batswana and what they have been doing for the economy for the last 49 years,” she added.

Though minerals are not forever Batswana can be assured that Debswana will continue mining diamonds for a foreseeable period of time, which will ensure Debswana continued to contribute to the economy of the country, she noted. ENDS