27 Mar 2023

The P38 million Boatle Bus Rank is now officially open to the public. 

Speaking during a short session to mark the official opening on the facility Thursday Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi said the project, which was part of the 23kilometre Gaborone- Boatle dual carriage way as well as the Boatle multi-grade intersection was a significant level of investment in roads infrastructure. 

He said the total project cost was close to P1.3billion of which P38 million was spent on the rank. 

“It shows government’s commitment to moving Botswana from upper middle income to a high income status by 2036. This is one of those projects that will help stimulate economic development and help the country achieve the required annual GDP growth of about six percent to attain the high income status,” he said.

 Mr Moagi said the project created a lot of jobs during the construction phase as about 300 people were employed then. 

He said upon completion of the dual carriage way and intersection the use of bus rank was delayed due to unavailability of toilets. “Given the pressing need to use the bus rank, the government responded by funding toilets to the tune of over P710 000 through the road fund levy. 

The project was awarded to Bonzet Engineering Pty Ltd in 2021 and was completed last year” he added. Mr Moagi said the bus rank would not only help improve efficiency of the transport system in the region but would also unlock other economic opportunities such as opening of small businesses. 

“Other job opportunities presented by the facility will be security and cleaning services. By its nature, the transport sector has linkages with other sectors of the economy and I want to encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities presented therein,” he said.

 He said the location of the bus rank was strategic and would accommodate future traffic volumes from the planned expansion of the A1 road from Boatle to Lobatse. 

For his part chairperson of the Ramotswa Buses and Taxis Association Mr Mothusi Motsumi said the local transport industry welcomed developments such as the establishment of bus ranks. 

He said they would join hands with relevant stakeholders for the provision of better services to the community. 

Mr Motsumi said those who were set to benefit from value chains around the rank should establish or join hawkers association for ease of doing business. 

The mini bus rank is expected to service several routes that include Ramotswa/Taung, Boatle local taxis, Molepolole–Lobatse via Boatle, Gaborone-Kanye via Ranaka, Gaborone - Good Hope among others. Ends