04 Feb 2014

Development of the National Integrated Transport Policy will define the transport system as well as drive the Integrated Transport Project (ITP), which is anticipated to improve the transport industry and provide substantial benefits to users, suppliers and operators.

Delivering the 2014/2015 budget speech on February 3, Mr Matambo said given the strategic importance of this sector and to ensure reasonable return on private investment, will continue to allocate resources to the sector and introduce new policies.

In this regard, he said a National Intergrated Transport Policy had been developed and was being processed for approval. On land issues, he said government was in the process of developing guidelines for a Public Private Participation strategy in land servicing.

He highlighted that the implementation of the guidelines is expected to start during 2014/15 financial year. He elaborated that shortage of serviced land has been identified by investors and some external agencies as a constraint to investment.

Mr Matambo said plans were underway to carry out high density and value developments in certain prime areas of Gaborone aimed at optimsing the use of serviced land. He hailed the Botswana Innovation Hub for remaining committed to promoting science, technology and innovation to contribute positively towards economic development and diversification.

He revealed that to date, the hub had registered 27 innovative businesses and institutions to its membership. Mr Matambo said government established the Botswana Fibre Networks Ltd, (BoFiNet) as a separate organisation responsible for provision of national and international telecommunication.

This company’s operation, he said will address challenges with respect to internet connectivity, particularly the bandwidth. “BoFiNet will focus on improving the backbone network”, he said

He said government is funding the optic fibre reticulation of the diamond trading park to specifically ensure that diamond customers have access to information and communication technology for doing business in Botswana. ENDS