25 Nov 2013

The Selebi Phikwe Economic Development Unit (SPEDU) has partnered with Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and BCL to set up a mining museum, tourism enterprises and educational facilities for science and environmental research.

The projects will be based at the decommissioned BCL open pit and No 1 shaft. Addressing a full council meeting recently, the mayor of Selebi Phikwe, Mr Tebogo Matlhogonolo said P13.8 million had been approved for the project.

A feasibility study to establish the economic viability of the project will commence during the first quarter of 2014 and was anticipated to be complete by end of year.

“The project will be called Botswana Mining Museum Education Research Center (BOMMERC), and it would have potential to create employment and energise the economy of Selebi Phikwe. This project will also accentuate the tourism profile of the SPEDU region,” said Mr Matlhogonolo.

BIUST will chair the BOMMERC project team and brief the council in early 2014. Mr Matlhogonolo also revealed that SPEDU has proposed funding for the establishment of a regional chamber of commerce for the region.

He said the chamber will harness local economic development through private sector leadership and participation. “Through the chamber of commerce, the private sector is expected to develop structures and strategies for more effective policy lobbying as well as to enhance participation of the informal sector in the local economy,” he said.

In addition, said Mr Matlhogonolo, the Selebi Phikwe Local Economic Development Business Congress is planned for January 2014.  The project, spearheaded by SPEDU in collaboration with BCL and the private sector, will be first of its kind in the region.

Mr Mathogonolo also revealed that an additional P3.9 million has been availed to support various horticulture development initiatives; among them a market study to establish potential market access for processed vegetable products.

The initiative will also investigate the viability of building small dams to support horticulture and developing an institutional framework to support agro business development. Ends