04 Nov 2025

In its endeavor to transform Botswana into a premier regional hub for trade, travel and investment by building world class infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has requested Parliament to approve over P148 billion for projects and programmes under National Development Plan 12.

Presenting the requested budget before Parliament on Monday, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae said the amount would be channeled to rebuild and expand infrastructure accompanied by the relevant reforms to improve efficiency.

Mr Salakae said P540 million was requested for upgrading driver licensing system, fleet tracking management and maintenance system, integrated Botswana roads management system as well as procurement of engineering software for roads and building projects .

He said rail infrastructure programme would play a crucial role in facilitating trade and enhancing connection within the region.

As part of the economic transformation drive, he cited that an amount of over P64 million would be invested in the rail infrastructure.

The proposed rail infrastructure projects he said were the construction of Mmamabula-Lephalale, Mosetse-Kazangula-Livingstone and Trans-Kalahari rail links.

Mr Salakae said the ministry also aimed to procure rolling stock and fleet for rail passenger services, replace signaling and telecommunication system, rehabilitate Ramatlabama-Vakaranga and Francistown-Sua rail lines as well as capacitate Walvis Bay dry port and construct Mosetse dry port.

With regards to civil aviation infrastructure, Mr Salakae noted that funds amounting to over P5.4 billion were required for the development of Maun Airport, expansion of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport cargo facility, improvement of aviation safety and security and procurement of aviation equipment among other things.

“Implementation of these aviation infrastructure will facilitate unlocking of high value export economy and establish a regional logistics hub as the country will be able to achieve the highest international civil aviation organisation audit ratings and reliability of airport operations,” he said.

Additionally, he said a total of P3.1 billion was requested for revenue generating projects citing the procurement of a cargo aircraft, establishment of an approved training facility, construction of a world class maintenance and repair facility and procurement of ground handling equipment.

 Such projects, he said were a gateway to resuscitate the national airline through diversification of its revenue streams.

Minister Salakae further said the road infrastructure programme would require funds amounting over P72.7 billion for road projects that would be facilitating access to economic sectors and those which would be addressing urban congestion.

“Some of the strategic roads to be covered under this program include among others the upgrading of the A1 road, reconstruction of the Sehitwa-Mohembo road, construction of the Rasesa-Lentsweletau-Mahetlwe-Hatsalatlhadi-Diphuduhudu road and Mogoditshane-Gabane-Mmankgodi junction dual road,” he said.

For building of infrastructure, Mr Salakae said a total of P1.3 billion was requested for refurbishment of the Ministry headquarters building, construction of driver and vehicle testing stations, construction of weighbridge and staff houses as well as construction and refurbishment of district offices. ENDS