Africa-Press – Botswana. Shortage of accommodation in the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) has been a persistent challenge for several years and this has not only impacted the morale of the staff, but also posed challenges on operational efficiency.
Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said this when handing over the 113 housing units constructed at approximately P123 million to the BDF recently.
Minister Mmusi said providing decent housing to the BDF staff was therefore aimed at boosting their morale and offering them integrated living as well as the much needed contemporary housing options.
“The housing units purchased from RIC Development are a welcome development that will go a long way in providing BDF officers with dignity and purpose, therefore enabling them to perform their duties efficiently,” he said.
He also indicated that adequate resourcing of BDF was one of the ministry’s key priorities, adding, ‘the project comes at a time when I have made it one of my priorities to adequately resource the BDF to improve staff accommodation’.
He added that completion of the project at Sarona City had addressed 16 per cent of BDF housing shortfall.
Again, he said government had procured nine one-bedroom units, 84 two-bedroom units, 17 three-bedroom units and three four-bedroom units.
“These will undoubtedly go a long way in alleviating the accommodation shortage as well as boosting the morale of men and women in uniform,” he said.
Therefore, the minister urged all those who would be allocated accommodation at Sarona City to take care of the units and ensure that maintenance was periodically undertaken.
He added that concerted efforts in maintenance and upkeep would result in sustainable housing for BDF members for many years to come.
Receiving the housing units, BDF commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo thanked the minister for the support.
“These housing units we receive are a manifestation of your role as a political head to set our defence policy, seek requisite funding through cabinet and Parliament, hence we thank you for working tirelessly in ensuring provision of critical capabilities to the BDF,” Lt Gen. Segokgo said.
He also emphasised that providing accommodation to men and women in uniform would improve morale and enhance force readiness for emergency operations and tasks.
He assured the minister that those who would have the opportunity to reside in the facility would do their utmost to take care of it.
He added that the ripple effect of taking care of the units would reduce BDF maintenance budget as well as prolong the life of the facility.
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