Africa-Press – Botswana. The first phase of the government’s large-scale affordable housing initiative is set to commence on June 20, aiming to deliver a total of 61 000 housing units all constituencies.
Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi revealed this during a press conference yesterday in Gaborone.
The minister said that each constituency would receive 1 000 of the new homes as part of a broader commitment to construct 100 000 housing units by 2028 under the Bonno National Housing Programme.
The initiative seeks to provide high-quality, affordable residential solutions that adhere to national building control standards, promoting home ownership among low and middle-income Batswana.
“This project is a direct response to the country’s growing accommodation crisis and is expected to create over 50 000 jobs within the first year,” Mr Ramogapi said.
He highlighted that the initiative is projected to attract approximately US$10 billion in foreign direct investment annually and would introduce a P4 000 living wage for all new construction projects.
To facilitate this ambitious endeavour, the government has introduced a public-private partnership model and issued an Expression of Interest to private developers and investors who can contribute to driving the project. The minister said selected companies would fund construction and recover their investments through the sale or rental of the housing units.
Mr Ramogapi explained that the land for these developments was owned by the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), which would l assist in providing access and necessary approvals.
He emphasised that the initiative differed from the previous SHHA Turnkey Scheme, as it offered a range of modern, pre-approved house designs for prospective homeowners to choose from.
Additionally, the said there would be no requirement for applicants to submit their own plans unless they were applying under the Home Improvement Loan Scheme. The Minister also mentioned that President Advocate Duma Boko has recently launched the Target 3000 pilot phase, aimed at developing the first 3 000 housing units, with agreements with Ongos Valley Botswana nearing finalisation. Ongos Valley submitted an unsolicited bid and has been selected as the preferred construction partner.
The Bonno National Housing Programme features three main tracks: the Bonno Home Improvement Loan Scheme, the Bonno Turnkey Development Loan Scheme, and the Bonno D4 Scale and Below or Equivalent Housing Loan Scheme.
To qualify, applicants must be Batswana aged 18 and above, with annual incomes ranging from P4 400 to P250 000.
Loan amounts would vary, with P282 000 available for bachelor pads, P325 000 for two-bedroom homes, and P491 000 for three-bedroom units, with monthly instalments starting from as little as P1 175.
Mr Ramogapi emphasised that applicants would need to provide proof of income, plot ownership, valid Omang, and marital status documentation.
He added that applicants must show evidence of construction progress using personal resources for those applying for the Home Improvement Loan Scheme.
Minister Ramogapi said the initiative is not just about building houses, but about transforming lives and giving Batswana the dignity and security that comes with owning a home.
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