02 Sep 2018

Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) has commended Palapye Administrative Authority (PAA) for reserving 439.6ha of land to undertake Special Economic Zones (SEZs) projects in Palapye. 

Special Economic Zones policy and industry selection director, Mr Lonely Mogara informed councillors at the recent Palapye Sub-council meeting that even though the size was ot what they had required, which was 1 000ha, it was enough to undertake the intended projects. 

The area allocated lies along the Eastern side of the A1 Road stretching from the Martin’s Drift flyover to the northern side just opposite Majestic Five Hotel. 

Mr Mogara said the selected site was ideal as it was accessible by both rail and road. 

Proximity to amenities, he said, was also crucial as the success of the SEZs relied heavily on the availability of services such as water and electricity. 

He called on Palapye Administrative Authority (PAA) as regulators to fastrack all that is needed to set up projects under SEZs.

He added that the approval of all paperwork such as permits and masterplans must be done as soon as possible.

“The process of setting up a SEZ is long therefore we need you to help us manage it. If you drag the project we will not go anywhere,” he said. 

He said PAA also needed to improve on Internet connectivity and look into how they would manage sewerage.

Also, he challenged councillors to improve their value proposition and come up with very financial models.

For her part, Palapye Sub land board deputy chairperson, Ms Baipoledi Moganetsi-Kwadiba added that the area selected for SEZ projects was designed and zoned as a mixed use by the Palapye Planning Area Development Plan of 2007-2031 with the intention of establishing industrial/commercial entities at a ratio of 60:40 as indicated in the plan. 

Initially, she said area measured a total area of 562.3ha but Palapye Sub Land Board allocated 122.3ha of it to Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, leaving 439.6ha. 

She said after the development of Palapye Development Plan, consultation was done with those who occupied the land. 

In 2009, she said land board assessed and compensated 37 people with over P2 billion while some were not compensated due to financial constraints. 

She said since the consultation policy changed, the remaining number of people would be re-assessed and paid as soon as funds were availed. 

Palapye Special Economic Zone will be developed as a national hub for coal mining, coal beneficiation, coal-based chemicals, gas, renewable energy, research and development as well light manufacturing and logistics related services.

The main objective of the SEZs policy is to diversify the economic and export base of the country and were created as geographically distinct economic areas, that would provide the investors a friendly business environment. 

The economic zones are geared towards making the country the most preferred location for both domestic and foreign investment. ENDS