30 Nov 2022

Government has purchased Plot 3125 (Sweden House) in Gaborone at P10 000 000 for use as a government guest house for visiting Heads of State.

Responding to a question in Parliament on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape, Assistant Minister for State President, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu stated that the property was put on offer in the market and was consequently purchased by government in December 2019.

Mr Mthimkhulu, however, said since its acquisition the property had not been utilised as it required some renovations, which could not be undertaken due to resources being directed to the fight against COVID-19.

Nonetheless, he said it was only this financial year that funds were secured for renovations, adding that the ministry could only account for properties it had purchased. 

He further stated that the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs was engaged to value the property and facilitate its acquisition by government.

MP for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando had asked the minister to confirm if government had purchased Plot 3125 (Sweden house) in Gaborone and if so, to state the price for the property and the date it was purchased.

He further wanted to know what the property has being used for since it was acquired and if any other property had been bought by government within the vicinity of State House and the purpose for which they were used. Ends