28 Jul 2019

The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Vincent Seretse and his colleague from Tertiary, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, on recently, toured Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) project in Tonota.

The P12 million project, which consists of 12 flats and six other houses, is two months behind schedule.  

Minister Seretse explained that the ministry was overwhelmed by project cost overruns and it consequently came up with strategies to address the challenge.

He appreciated that BHC engaged Batswana-owned companies as part of empowerment efforts, but underscored the need for discipline in the construction industry. 

Minister Seretse said government had decided hat Batswana-owned companies should be offered support to finish their work despite challenges they faced. 

He also said by hiring locals, contractors were also empowering workers with skills that they could use to make a living in the future.

For his part, Minister Olopeng, decried shortage of staff accommodation in Tonota constituency with the waiting list standing at 528.

He explained that most of the employees commuted from Francistown. 

Mr Olopeng appealed to BHC to consider building houses in Shashe Mooke because of its proximity to Francistown, adding that Tonota constituency had a viable market for the corporation. 

He commended BHC for engaging young Batswana in the project, but suggested that such workers should be equipped with the necessary skills and discipline so that international contractors could have confidence on local labour. 

He further advised the political leadership of Tonota to encourage Batswana, especially the youth, to buy the houses upon completion.

Botswana Housing Corporation chief executive officer, Mr Reginald Motswaiso said the corporation was allocated another plot in Tonota west 

He explained that initially, BHC had applied for a 25 hectare of land, but it was only allocated 0.55 hectares.

Mr Motswaiso said the project started in May 2018, but regrettably it was behind schedule due to some challenges. 

Project manager, Mr Olegona Chibua, said the project was 59 per cent complete due to challenges encountered by the contractor such as lack of supply of building materials as well as lack of skilled labourers.

He said the contractor had resolved to engage sub-contractors as mitigatory measures to speed up the completion of the project.

However, Mr Chibua said the contractor was aware that action might be taken and had been warned of a reality of being penalised if the project failed to be delivered as agreed.

Site manager, Mr King Motsilenyane and director of Construction Civil Africa, Mr Motona Malensi, explained to the ministers that the six housing units were expected to be complete and ready for occupation next month, while the whole project was expected to be delivered in December.

They acknowledged that the project was far much behind schedule due to some challenges but promised to do all their to ensure completion. Ends