08 Sep 2013

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has warned some contractors against importing artisans from outside the country while Batswana artisans remained unemployed.

Speaking at the official launch of Kazungula Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) Mobile Training Unit (MTU) recently, the minister said they were aware that there was shortage of skilled labour in the building and construction sector and that in some cases, contractors had no choice but to import such skills.

However, he pointed out that some contractors were now taking advantage of the situation. “We have to guard against this practice because it is wrong and has the potential to bring about unnecessary misunderstandings,’ he cautioned.

In anticipation of the construction of the 923-metre long Kazungula Bridge, Mr Batshu estimated that approximately 300 trainees would graduate from the Kazungula CITF unit within a 12 months period. “The establishment of the Kazungula MTU will cost P5 807 177 and will run for two years,” he noted.

The minister said since the beginning of NDP 9 to date, CITF had produced 2 717 artisans through five mobile training units. He explained that there was one in Mahalapye where there was construction of the Mahalapye referral hospital, police station, Botswana Housing Corporation housing project and a Cresta Hotel.

Minister Batshu also said there were others mobile training units in Palapye, Francistown, Nata and Shakawe where there was construction of schools, stadia and airport expansion. He emphasised the need for substantial resources and skills to match the rapid growth of Botswana’s construction industry saying that as a country, Botswana falls short in these areas.

“I remain hopeful that CITF skills training through the MTU will ensure that those who graduate from their programmes will be sufficiently equipped to meet the needs of the industry,” he said.

He announced that through the amendment of Statutory Instrument No 139 of 1991, CITF had been allowed to start skills training in the mining related trades such as coded welding, rigging, pipe fitting and others.

“Seven facilitators have already successfully completed their training and are ready to impart their skills to newly recruited trainees,” he said, adding that arrangements are underway to make sure this becomes a reality before end of the year. 

Project manager for Kazungula Bridge, Mr Pius Seone advised CITF students not to look down upon themselves and their qualifications. He noted that all employees for the project will be sourced from Botswana and Zambia. Groundbreaking for Kazungula Bridge is expected to be in March 2014. Ends