12 Aug 2024

Construction of the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS) headquarters has not commenced as anticipated owing to issues related to unavailability of suitable land to undertake a national project of its magnitude and stature.

This was said by the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sport and Culture, Honourable Tumiso Rakgare when responding to a question in Parliament on Friday.

Minister Rakgare said approximately P39 million was used in the project design.“From this total, P16.9 million was for architectural services, P8.3 million for civil and structural engineering services, P4.9 million for mechanical engineering services while P3.8 million was paid for quantity surveying services,” the minister said.

He further indicated that in 2015, owing to issues of lack of suitable land, government took a decision to repossess all undeveloped plots allocated to government ministries and agencies within the Central Business District.“We are currently working with the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs to secure an alternative, suitable and strategic plot for this project,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Ghanzi South, Mr Motsamai Motsamai had asked the minister to give an update on the progress of the construction of the BNLS project, and how much was used for the design of the building.

He also wanted to know if the plot still existed at the CBD and where it was to be located. ENDS