31 Jan 2021

Motor Holdings Botswana has been commended for positively contributing to government’s efforts to buffer some of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the dealership’s groundbreaking ceremony in Gaborone on Thursday, Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the project came at an opportune time when the economy of the country, like others around the world, was being weighed down by the effects of the pandemic.

Mr Tsogwane encouraged the management of the dealership to take advantage of all available technologies to achieve what would normally take more time to do, to connect and reach out to customers around the country and beyond borders. 

Furthermore, he advised WHARIC Construction Company to honour the agreed timelines to avoid cost overruns and other associated delays. 

“I urge you to complete the project on time and with quality,” he said.

The vice president lamented that the challenges brought about by COVID-19 had exacerbated the already existing ones such as high unemployment, particularly among young people.

He said the recently approved Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP), that would be implemented under the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP) 11, would fast-track key economic initiatives to restore the economy.

This, he said would propel economic growth and creation of the much needed jobs in both short and medium term, as well as address other major economic challenges of poverty and inequality.

The managing director of Motor Holding Botswana, Mr Badeti Tibone said the project, which was a significant milestone in the company’s calendar and strategic plans, was a difficult decision to make, amidst the current economic challenges.

Mr Tibone, however, noted that given the loyal support of their customer base, as well as patronage from the market and the community, the company saw it befitting to bring to the market, a new face of the business.

“It has been a long route to get here, but we have drawn confidence from the leadership and decided to create an opportunity to support the demands of the business,” he said.

Once completed, the dealership outlet will house the Motor Holdings Botswana franchise headquarters and will be a flagship development, which will  be the wholesale distribution centre for other outlets. 

It will also house a workshop, with a state of the art equipment to provide a world class service in vehicle maintenance.

It will also be technically equipped to offer just-in-time parts and supply to the other dealerships.

The project will increase Motor Holding Botswana’s footprint in transportation technology, offer exceptional services, resulting in a more robust movement of people, goods and services as well as spark economic dynamism in the country. ends