06 Jun 2019

As part of making use of Botswana’s abundance of sunshine, the country will soon advertise a tender for the 100 megawatt solar generation station. 

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Nonofo Molefhi announced this at Queen Elizabeth II’s 93rd birthday celebrations in Gaborone on June 4.

In addition, he said, the country was on course to reduce its carbon footprint.“Regarding our use of plastics and associated waste materials, we have been approached recently by companies ready to recycle materials at our various refuse collection centres, so by next year there will be something to show in terms of our response to reducing carbon footprint,” he stated. 

The celebration also served as an opportunity to reflect on the shared history, dating back to pre-independence days,   ongoing fruitful collaborations and bilateral relations between Botswana and the UK. 

The two countries also share commitment to tackling climate change and championing renewable energy.

“In this regard we note that considerable progress has been achieved in advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of tourism, conservation, health, agriculture, sport, human resource development, defence and security,” he said.  

UK high commissioner to Botswana, Ms Katy Ransome  underscored the importance of long standing political links,, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth, as well as that of people and personal relationships in driving forward the broader  relationships between the two countries. 

She noted that Botswana was among the countries included in the UK’s 36 million Pounds programme for trans-boundary water management. 

“This programme seeks to tackle the effects of climate change by integrating it into regional development planning and supporting local communities and livelihoods, reducing disaster risk and improving water security,” she said adding that it was currently helping river basin organisations covering the Okavango, Zambezi and Limpopo rivers.Ms Ransome said in collaboration with the Climate Exploration Hub, the UK government was working with schools to generate conversations and ideas about rainwater harvesting.

“In addition, Chevening Alumni Association of Botswana has received funding for a project on national engagement in addressing the impacts of climate change on rural communities,” Ms Ransome stated. ENDS