03 Jun 2020

Government employees have been encouraged to invest in housing. 

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Bareng Malatsi, said infrastructure and housing were crucial for progress of any nation. 

He advised government employees to take advantage of government schemes to buy houses as housing provided dignity to human beings. 

 He also noted that government housing was not adequate for all eligible government employees and was therefore leasing private accommodation to augment the demand. 

Mr Malatsi said it was also worthy to invest in housing, as the value of houses appreciate. 

He pointed out that the demand for housing for public officers stood at 17 252 nationally, while the waiting list for government pool houses was 7 700, of which 3 517 was in Gaborone alone. 

He further noted that his ministry was also exploring other ways to house civil servants. 

The acting permanent secretary revealed that renewal of leases for privately leased houses, maintenance of pool houses and inspections for occupation had resumed, as well as the review of the national policy and evaluation of low income housing programme. 

Pertaining to projects undertaken by his ministry, Mr Malatsi said 15 contractors, who have complied with COVID-19 protocols were back at work in different locations such as those engaged in maintenance works at Ghanzi Senior Secondary School and construction of a police station and staff housing in Maitengwe. 

 He also revealed that contractors at some sites, including Old Maun Hospital and Matsha College kitchen, were working round the clock to put in place measures to comply with COVID-19 regulations, in order to be in a position to resume work next week. 

He said consultations were ongoing to decide if the celebration of World Habitat Day, which is normally celebrated in October, would continue as planned. Ends