17 Mar 2022

North West District councillors have requested Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) to explore investment opportunities with community development trusts in Ngamiland.

Speaking during a full council meeting this week, Boyei ward councillor, Mr Ntlogelang Kebonyekgotla said BDC as a government investment arm should assist community trusts to generate income optimally.

He said community trusts did not generate adequate income because they were exploited by foreign investors. He also noted that community trusts were in possession of land that could be utilised to generate wealth.

Cllr Kebonyekgotla urged BDC to explore partnerships with the trusts that could benefit both parties and create employment for Batswana. He also urged the corporation to invest in infrastructure development in the district, especially roads, suggesting that BDC attract investors to develop Ngamiland roads and reward them upon completion of the infrastructure.

Councillor Botshelo Mapa of Sepopa- Ikoga ward also urged BDC to enter into partnerships with land owners in the district in order to build hotels and malls.

He said some people in the district owned large chunks of land that was unutilised.

BDC head of corporate affairs and strategy, Ms Boitshwarelo Lebang-Kgetse said their statutory functions provided for partnerships with land owners.

However, she said they required market research and a business plan to determine if the partnership would be viable before funding any individual or entity.

She urged community development trusts board of trustees to contact BDC and enquire on the possibilities of partnerships, saying BDC could invest in the form of equity and own shares in that partnership.

Mr Lebang-Kgetse also noted that BDC had invested in many businesses across every sector of the economy.

She highlighted that BDC did not have any industrial properties in the district and said when they saw an opportunity they would invest. She also said some partnerships posed a high risk of failure, citing the Palapye glass project. 

She, however, said BDC learnt lessons from the failed project. ends