02 Jun 2021

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi, has underscored the need for public-private partnership (PPP) in the energy sector.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday after a site visit to Ghanzi fuel storage facility, he said a PPP model was feasible and would ensure that initiatives were efficiently implemented by bringing expertise and other best practices’ from the private sector.

Mr Moagi also said while private sector would bring in expertise and other necessary resources, government on one hand would take on the role of rules and regulations.

He stated that Ghanzi storage facility was a third one after Gaborone and Francistown service points. 

He said such facilities were positioned in a way that there would be adequate distribution of fuel across the country.

He said the Ghanzi facility would have a carrying capacity of about 30 million litres that could supply the western region for a period of about 60 days.

The facility, he said, was strategically positioned 600 metres away from the proposed Trans Kalahari railway line and again would service western region efficiently more especially with the current ongoing massive projects in the likes of the construction of Mohembo bridge and the opening copper mine.

The minister decried shortage of fuel stations in the western region and implored communities to tap in the petroleum business opportunity since they would now have easy access to a fuel depot within their vicinity.

Botswana Oil chief executive officer, Mr Meshack Tshekedi, indicated that Ghanzi storage facility situated on a 2 by 2km site was allocated during 2016/17 period and currently there were no activities ongoing.

He said they were still awaiting funding for constructions to kick off and as such implored communities to venture into business partnership with government to get the ball rolling.

Ghanzi council chairperson, Mr Thato Tshweneyagae, applauded government for establishing a fuel storage facilities to curb acute shortages in the region. 

He said the facilities would allow the country to have adequate supply and export any excess to others countries to increase the country’s profit margins.

He said the facility would boost the country’s economy as its establishment would open up more business opportunities for local communities to diversify from their traditional cattle production business to venture into petroleum and oil businesses. ENDS