Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has affirmed that citizen-owned construction companies will continue to reap the benefits of government projects.
Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony for 200 Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) houses in Pilane on Friday, President Masisi said that major projects would be unbundled to facilitate participation from citizens.
“In the past, only foreign companies undertook these substantial projects, limiting citizen involvement in our economy,” he stated.
The President emphasised that companies demonstrating strong performance would be considered for future projects.
Dr Masisi also expressed pride that 13 of the construction companies leading the project were owned by women, reinforcing government’s commitment to empower previously disadvantaged groups. “The ripple effects of these projects are significant,” he noted, emphasising their potential to create employment opportunities for local communities.
He urged contractors to manage their finances wisely and ensure fair compensation for their employees. President Masisi also set clear expectations for the completion of the houses, warning that they must be delivered on time, within budget, and without defects.
Additionally, he encouraged contractors to consider environmental sustainability, advising that ‘if there is anything natural that is appealing, whether a tree or a rock, please leave it.’
Despite the positive developments, President Masisi expressed concern about instances of Batswana fronting for foreign companies, promising that all loopholes would be addressed and appropriate actions taken against those involved.
“These houses belong to Batswana and should not be sold to foreigners,” he said.
President commended BHC for its modern architecture in the new housing designs, adding that government’s initiative to provide free electricity connection to citizens would also be extended to BHC developments.
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale, gave a detailed update on the project’s structure.
He explained that the project had been unbundled with 18 contractors building two houses each at a total cost of P25 million.
Minister Molale said companies classified as category A would construct three or four houses each, while those in category B would build nine houses.
Three companies in category C would complete 13 houses.
He added that the housing initiative paved way for the construction of a new hospital, indicating BHC’s potential for further residential development in the area.
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