07 Mar 2024

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has carried out a needs assessment analysis of the Paje Military Academy and the determination of project construction is subject to availability of funds.

This was said by Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi when responding to a question by Serowe North MP, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe in Parliament on Tuesday March 5.

Mr Mmusi explained that six consulting companies were commissioned for the design of the academy which comprised three schools for officers, non-commissioned officers and officer cadets.

The design also included a residential site, supporting buildings and facilities as well as associated services, Mr Mmusi said.

He said the names of the consultants and total fees paid by the BDF so far were Botswana Housing Corporation P8 832 627, CPM Architects P302 657 171, Bothakga Burrow P63 519 671, Systems and Service Engineers P15 576 875, G4 Consulting Engineers P10 932 601 and Turner and Townsend P8 044 690, bringing the total amount paid to over  P409.5 million.

Mr Mmusi said the project would be considered in future against other priorities as funds become available.

MP Mathoothe had asked the minister when government intended to commence construction of the Paje Military Academy since the design phase had been completed.

He also wanted the minister to give Parliament a basic synopsis of the design as well as its cost. Ends