05 Jun 2025

 As part of the grand scheme of Botswana’s broader national housing development framework, Lobatse Town Council on Tuesday rolled out an application cycle for the Bonno National Housing Programme for financial year 2025/2026. 

In an interview, Lobatse Town Clerk Ms Lenamile Taolo said applications were opened up for Bonno D4 scale and below or equivalent housing loan scheme for those who earned an annual income between P95 000 and P282 000 bracket and eligible self-employed individuals. 

She said the scheme applied to all working class citizens between the ages of 18-60 years either in  government, private sector, parastatals and was also eligible for self-employed individuals. 

Ms Taolo said the scheme was an all-inclusive initiative as it was open to self-employed individuals, farmers, pensioners under the  age of 60 and contract workers who were allowed to apply provided they met the scheme guidelines. 

Additionally, she said, the scheme used pre-approved housing design plans, which included a bachelor pad where one could get a loan amount of up to P282 000, a two-bedroomed house where one could get a loan amount of P325 000, and a three bedroomed house where one could get a loan amount of P491 000. 

The Town Clerk highlighted that government targeted 1 000 houses per constituency including Lobatse 

Additionally, she said they would process only applications of those who had plots in the Lobatse District otherwise the applications would be disqualified. 

On the plot conditions, she said it must be undeveloped, fenced, have water, and have a temporary storeroom, adding that applicants should not have benefitted from Botswana Housing Corporation or the Government Employees Motor Vehicle and Residential Property Advance Scheme (GEMVAS). 

She said the Bonno National Housing Programme package was targeted at delivering a variety of housing schemes custom-made to meet the diverse needs of the population to support citizens from different economic backgrounds, and ensure inclusivity in the housing sector. 

“We have been implored to do away with conventional long procurement processes and use the quickest legally accepted procurement process to be able to deliver on this initiative in a timely manner,” she said. 

On other issues under the Bonno National Housing Programme, Ms Taolo said the council had started preparations to avail land for Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme targeted at those without formal employment. ENDS