07 Jun 2023

To ensure citizens have access to good habitation, through smart cities and improved rural dwelling, Botswana continues to learn from the international community and explore partnerships.

As government invests in developing urban areas and creating economically viable rural communities, Botswana is well primed to take advantage of opportunities offered by networking with other states in events

This was revealed by Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane in an interview before his return to the country yesterday (Wednesday) after a four day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, primarily to attend the United Nations Habitat Assembly and also to explore opportunities for Botswana in side meetings with global stakeholders.

“The UN Habitat Assembly focused on human settlement, people’s access to basic services such as shelter, health care, education, water, electricity, a source of livelihood, particularly in urban areas, and we were able to share our experience with others, while discussing opportunities as well,” Mr Tsogwane said.

He said the intention among the 193 UN member states represented at the assembly was to develop smart cities that would ensure quality human habitation in line with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), something the Botswana government was committed to.

Mr Tsogwane, who chairs the country’s Rural Development Council (RDC) said in addition to working on developing smart cities, Botswana invested in rural and remote areas to improve livelihoods and curb rural-urban migration.

“The RDC is part of a deliberate measure by government to ensure rural communities are not left behind. Through the RDC we have projects to improve people’s livelihood by creating opportunities such as through the Lobu Small Stock Farm, Zutshwa Salt Project and Mogobane Irrigation Scheme among other projects,” Mr Tsogwane said.

The Vice President was expected to arrive in Gaborone on Wednesday afternoon having held discussions with Kenyan President Mr William Ruto and Deputy President Mr Rigathi Gachagua, the Executive Director of UN Habitat Ms Dato Sharif, the Kenyan business community and the Botswana diaspora among other engagements. Ends