19 Feb 2019

There is no position of plumbing technician that has been delocalised, as the construction supervisor does duties similar to the position, says Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo.

Mr Mabeo said the construction supervisor was an accredited installer of Geberit products, which was a Swiss product currently used in new projects like iTowers, Airport Junction and Innovation Hub among others.

 He said according to management, the position of construction supervisor had been advertised three years ago to search for a highly specialised skilled Motswana, but that the organisation was unsuccessful in finding a suitable Motswana.

 Mr Mabeo said as an alternative, the company had developed a programme to transfer skills to citizen employees so that the company continued to benefit from distributing and supervising the site installation of an increasing range of world-class products.

 Regarding the issuance of work permits, Mr Mabeo said it was the responsibility of the regional immigrants selection board as per the Immigration Act after looking at all necessary steps to be taken to recruit.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister to state why the position of plumbing technician at Haskins had been delocalised, and if there were no qualified Batswana for the position.

He also wanted to know who approved work permits for expatriates at Haskins at the expense of qualified and experienced Batswana capable of filling the position. ENDS