Africa-Press – Botswana. Construction of the long-awaited Botswana Railway (BR) property mall is scheduled to commence February next year, as plans for the project continue to progress.
BR Properties managing director, Mr Utlwang Golebanye said this during a recent full council meeting in Francistown.He announced that the company owned an 11.6-hectare space and would initially develop five hectares, focusing on retail, with additional components to be added in later stages.
Despite challenges in securing an anchor tenant to attract other businesses, Mr Golebanye noted that they have made headway in obtaining preliminary permits and other necessary preparations.
He said the estimated costs for developing the initial five hectares was around P250 million, which would be financed through loans from private sector financial institutions.
In terms of employment, Mr Golebanye said the project was expected to create approximately 300 jobs.
However, he pleaded with the councillors to support the project and work with them for its success.
Meanwhile, councillors commended BR Properties for the project, emphasising its potential as a significant development for the area, which had been proposed for some time.
They urged BR Properties to consider involving the youth of Francistown in the project, as this could help address the high unemployment rate in the city.
Philip Matante West Ward councillor, Mr Maoros Mozazwi appreciated BR Properties for the project, highlighting that they should bring something unique which could be appealing to the community.
Moselewapula Ward Councillor Thatayaone Keoletile, commended BR Properties for developing the city which he said it would come in handy in terms of unemployment and raised a concern about the vacant BR houses in Francistown pleading with Botswana Railways to intervene. The BR property mall project represents a pivotal opportunity for Francistown, poised to stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance the retail landscape of the area.
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