31 Oct 2022

In the quest to boost Botswana’s strategic fuel reserve and meet the projected increase in fuel consumption, the government has taken a decision to expand the Francistown depot and construct other fuel storage facilities around the country.

Ministry of Minerals and Energy, deputy permanent secretary responsible for Energy Mr Nchena Mothebe said this during the Francistown depot expansion project ground-breaking ceremony in Francistown recently.

“This will not only increase storage capabilities, but will by extension enhance the security of fuel supply in the country,” he said.

Mr Mothebe who spoke on behalf of the portfolio Minister, Mr Lefoko Moagi, said the Francistown facility’s ground-breaking ceremony was a key milestone for both the ministry and Botswana Oil Limited (BOL).

He noted that fuel was the mainstay of the economy to the end that government had in 2010 established BOL which started operations in 2013 to oversee the importation, distribution and management of this strategic commodity in the interest of the nation.

He stated that developing geo-political dynamics the world was experiencing, especially in the oil-producing regions and the surge in global demand for fuel, put the country in a precarious situation that needed immediate solutions to mitigate against shortfall.

Botswana Oil Limited board chairperson, Mr Martin Makgatlhe said the ground-breaking validated the seriousness of both BOL and the ministry in executing their mandate to ensure fuel security for the nation.

“What we are witnessing here today is a pivotal milestone for the nation of Botswana as we continue to expand national strategic infrastructure,” he said.

To further ensure the security of fuel supply and increase storage capacity, Mr Makgatlhe stated that BOL would in addition to the existing Francistown and Gaborone facility undertake other expansions in Ghanzi.

“This depot with its current 35 million litres capacity will have a 98 million carrying capacity upon completion,” he said, promising that the BOL board would ensure the quality was achieved and that the project finished on time and within budget.

Mayor of the city of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo commended BOL for keeping the promise to expand the facility.

He however challenged the contractor engaged to give locals priority when hiring workers for the project.

He also called on the ministry and the BOL to consider constructing an alternative exit route, something he said would prove useful, especially in case of emergencies; a suggestion that Mr Mothebe concurred with.

He said Botswana Oil Limited should continue looking for other available investment opportunities within the city. Like other speakers, the mayor was happy that the project gave the city of Francistown impetus as an ideal Special Economic Zone for transport and logistics.

BOL chief executive officer, Mr Meshack Tshekedi explained  that BOL, a company wholly owned by government of Botswana was charged with the mandate to ensure the security and sufficiency of petroleum in the country.

He noted that the company was given the management task of strategic reserves facilities, and stocks as well as facilitation of the participation of Batswana in the oil industry. A representative for Francistown East constituency office, Mr Kabelo Moleta was happy that BOL was tasked with ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women and the youth became players in the oil industry. He called on the contractor to do sterling work and make sure that local people were given priority during recruitment something CONCOR /EH joint venture representative Mr Brian Carter acceded to.  ENDS