12 I development news 6 July 2015 Over P1bn for poverty, development PIX: BDF on patrol or police officers on duty or any other prisons activities, Molokomme project are also part of the many activities covered under this budget. Training on digital technologies to equip staff for smooth transition to digital broadcasting is also covered. The department will also complete the ongoing radio and television transmitter expansion project at a cost of P20 million. Funds will cover implementation of the gap filling project based on the consultancy report on identified areas with no radio and television signals. It will also cover construction of guard houses and provision of standby generators at some of the existing as well as new transmitters. Having embarked on a Broadcast Transport System which connect district offices to the Mass Media Complex, the Minister Molale department will spend P20 million on the project. So far, four offices; Tsabong, Botswana Television has migrated from analogue to digital and Batswana can Francistown, Maun and Jwaneng have now enjoy high definition viewing. GABORONE: Ministry of State President been connected. The remaining offices - content using satellite transmission. whole exercise of upgrading the rest has been allocated over P1 billion for Molepolole, Serowe, Ghanzi, Selebi-Phikwe The more than P4.6 million remaining is of the television equipment to digital its organisations and departments this and Kasane - are yet to be connected. The to be used for upgrading outside broadcast format. financial year. project seeks to speed delivery of news facility which goes hand in hand with the Department of Broadcasting Services Poverty Eradication Programme will utilise over P169 million on its media has been allocated P160 million for its facilities, out of which P125 million will continuation this financial year. Funds be used to implement digital migration will be used for initiatives such as project. implementation of alternative packages, The project entails upgrading of the training workshops, completion of the entire broadcasting supply chain, from agro-processing and packaging plant and studios to transmitters, to digital format. establishment of incubation centres for Migration from analogue to digital alternative packages as well as provision commenced in June as set by the of decent housing for poor families. International Telecommunications Union As a continuous exercise, government (ITU). will explore market accessibility for A second television channel will also products from beneficiaries, both within be established. Funds will also be used to government and the private sector. With procure content for Botswana Television, a view to promoting marketability of high definition studios as well as acquire products, government has established digital television transmission equipment an Agro processing and packaging plant, and upgrade satellite uplink to a digital in the Selebi-Phikwe region, under the platform. auspices of the SPEDU programme. Public education on digital migration and development of a relevant policy, which Office of the President facilities are key for successful delivery of the will get P70.8 million out of which Efforts are continuing to explore market accessibility for poverty eradication P70 million will refurbish Orapa House beneficiaries products both within government and private sector. to make it suitable for use as office space while the remaining P800 000 will cover Ombudsman office extends access to services construction of airboat shelters for the National Disasters Management Office GABORONE: Access to services the Office complain about, which resulted in service Tsabong, to expand access to its services to in Gaborone and Francistown. of the Ombudsman offers, has over the delivery concerns unaddressed. Batswana these areas. Recruitment of key positions years been a challenge to many Batswana will now enjoy services of the Office of the for Maun and Tsabong offices is almost The Directorate of Corruption as the office is located only in Gaborone Ombudsman after refurbishment of the complete. However, the search for suitable and Economic Crime (DCEC) is to and Francistown. Maun branch office at a cost of P4.5 million office space in Tsabong is still ongoing with provide residential accommodation for That made it difficult for people in outer allocated this financial year. The office was the hope that the office will be operational staff at a cost of P6 million, upgrade the areas to visit it even when they had issues to to establish two new offices in Maun and during this financial year. BOPA Case Management System at P500 000 and spend P1.9 million on technical works project.
Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services received over P244 million to undertake various development projects which include upgrading communications and security equipment, infrastructure and acquiring of vehicles critical for the department to effectively carry out its mandate.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities will provide government services online, develop an e-Government programme management to drive the e-Government programme and also develop the Government Integrated Data Centre (GIDC) to host all e-government systems and hardware for safe keeping of government data. This is intended to make delivery of services more efficient.BOPA 6 July 2015 I development news 13
Ear tag system undergoes upgrade MoA funds research programmes, staff houses
GABORONE - Ministry of Agriculture will spend P18 million to fund activities under the National Minister Ralotsia Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) which include procurement GABORONE – Ministry of of equipment and running costs for Agriculture will continue to upgrade the projects. the Livestock Identification and Trace Part of the funds will be used to Back System (LITS) to the Botswana construct employees’ housing at Animal Identification and Traceability various agricultural research ranches. System (BAITS) as part of major One of government initiatives is to help farmers breed smallstock. The ministry, however, is in projects this financially year. the process of merging NFTRC, Department of Agricultural Research The ministry, which has been allocated Project (ASSP). one roof. To date, three centres in and the National Veterinary over P1 billion under its development Under ISPAAD, farmers are assisted Jwaneng, Tonota and Parakarungu are Laboratory. These will be hosted budget to complete ongoing projects this with high breed seeds, fencing, fertilizers, almost complete. under one company, which has financial year, will also furnish the Plant herbicides, drought power, fencing of The department will also spend P300 already been registered under the Quarantine Laboratory structures at fields and access to credit. million on infrastructure development name National Agricultural Research Sebele. Farmers are also encouraged to adopt at Pandamatenga including the Zambezi and Development Institute (NARDI). The Department of Crop Production improved farming technologies to Agro-Commercial project. Company directors are yet to be has been allocated P730 million for optimise production in order to improve The total works of infrastructure projects appointed. agricultural support programmes such food security in the country. include the 189km of road and 90km of Meanwhile, Department of as Integrated Support Programme Under ASSP, government spearheads drains which has been completed, while Veterinary Services will use P13 million for Arable Agricultural Development the establishment of Agriculture Service the second phase that comprises 160km under the Animal Disease Emergency (ISPAAD), Livestock Management and Centers (ASCs), which will include of drains is also progressing well. BOPA Control programme to construct and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) provision of several farmer services maintain cordon fences. BOPA as well as Agricultural Services Support including mechanisation services under MTC takes road network challenges head on which is set for completion this financial year. The road links the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Thebephatshwa Air Base west of Molepolole. The project is part of the ministry’s roads reseal maintenance programme. The ministry will also spend P504 million on bitumen and trunk roads improvements. Through the reseal maintenance programme, the ministry is targeting to improve national road network maintenance and upkeep. Other road resealing works under the reseal maintenance programme include Serule-Tonota, Sebina-Tutume and Khumaga- Minister Mabeo Motopi roads. GABORONE: The bulk of the The ministry will also roll out pothole patching initiative to road networks across P1.8 billion development budget the country. for the Ministry of Transport and The initiative was piloted using the Nokaneng-Shakawe road where positive Communications (MTC) will be results were realised. Upgrading of Tonota/Francistown Road to dual carriageway will help improve spent on major roads projects movement of traffic along the A1 Road. this financial year to enhance Villages telecomms links upgrade to fibre optic technology optic technology for increased capacity and used to procure equipment and upgrading traffic flow. MTC has also allocated P410 million, which is Local Access Networks. of systems to improve security and safety in the second largest share of the budget towards Of the amount, P809 million will go towards the aviation sector as well as continuation of the development of telecommunication upgrading of Tonota-Francistown dual Kasane, Maun airports improve the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport’s services. road, Charleshill-Ncojane road, Botswana security and safety (SSKIA) terminal building. Major projects under this programme include Integrated Transport Project (BITP) as well as Air Transport Infrastructure programme The remaining balance of P39 million will international connectivity, backbone networks Kazungula and Mohembo bridges. will get P357 million to improve terminal cover various projects under facilities, to upgrade Sekoma-Tsabong-Struizendum and Upgrading of Tonota-Francistown to buildings and air traffic control towers at computerisation, transport control and road Sehithwa-Mohembo-Seronga links to fibre dual carriageway will improve movement of Maun and Kasane airports. Funds will also be safety programmes. BOPA traffic in Tonota, Tati Siding and Francistown, especially during peak hours. BITP is intended to enhance the transport system efficiency and competitiveness. One of the BITP key components is the Output and Performance-based Road Contracting (OPRC). Other components include the National Multi-Modal and Greater Gaborone Transport Master Plans which aim to provide efficient and cost effective integrated transport system. Road network improvements will also cover resealing and shoulder repairing of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Molepolole-Mapharangwane turn-off road 14 I development news 6 July 2015 Government strengthens defence capability GABORONE: The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security has budgeted over P1 billion for the Botswana Defence Force ongoing projects and maintenance of infrastructure. The bulk of the budget will cover aircraft, vehicles, communications and defence equipment. Botswana Police Service, which has been upgrading of smart zone system, global The funds will be used mainly for the allocated P149 million will undertake surveillance and monitoring cellular completion of networking of prison development activities which will cover system and introduction of incident facilities, roll out of Automated Fingerprint police facilities projects. The funds will management system. Identification System (AFIS) in prisons Minister Kgathi go towards construction of staff houses, Out of the P32 million allocated which will be interfaced with other police posts and payment of final accounts to the Department of Prisons and security agencies and implementation of The amount will also be utilised to for the Mahalapye and Palapye police Rehabilitation, P10 million will fund prisons cellphone jammers at prisons and related complete development of an Automated stations. computerisation while the remaining P22 procurement of supporting computers End to End Solution for the Dukwi An additional P45 million will fund million will cover prisons facilities. and software. Refugee Management System. Construction of the border fence which The system will capture demographic entails border affirmation and marking of and biometric data which are necessary beacons on the remaining portions of in the production of identity cards for the country’s borders with neighbouring refugees and asylum seekers, as well as countries will cost government P21 management of refugees within the camp. million. BOPA Legal Aid Botswana independent GABORONE: The now independent expanding its capacity by, among others, Legal Aid Botswana has received a buying new vehicles and paying staff financial boost of P27.3 million to expand salaries. its capacity by buying new vehicles and Following the adoption of the Legal paying staff salaries. Aid Act in January this year, Legal This will also enable the independent Aid Botswana immediately became public entity to continue rendering independent. services to its clients on various land The Doing Business Reform initiative matters and family law problems. will get a share of P1 million of the AG’s Of the 10 576 clients they had already Chambers’ P33.3 million development assisted, 34 per cent was assisted in budget to support the National Doing land matters while 32 per cent sought Business Committee activities in terms assistance in relation to family law issues of legal reforms to facilitate ease of doing among them divorce, maintenance, business in Botswana. domestic violence and custody. The Directorate of Public Prosecution Legal Aid Botswana, a project under (DPP) office in Gaborone will close BDF members patrolling the border Attorney General’s Chambers, will accounts for infrastructural development this year spend over P27.3 million in at a cost of P5 million. BOPA Government service delivery footpath from.. page 11 creation in the country. Other projects systems and vehicles in various and control should remain a priority, Among major projects to be funded include poverty eradication under the ministries. if fiscal policy was to continue to be under MMEWR are: North-South Water Ministry of State President, construction However, Minister Matambo indicated supportive of a stable macro-economic Carrier II at P500 million; Kanye and of unified schools and additional houses that despite the positive domestic environment, which was necessary for Molepolole connection to the North- for teachers by the Ministry of Education economic outlook for this financial year, growth and economic diversification. South Water Carrier at P150 million; and Skills Development. there was need to continue with prudent He further said an improved budgetary Mahalapye and Palapye Water Network The Ministry of Health will construct resource management given continued situation was expected for this financial extension at P100 million and Maun staff houses for nurses. Maintenance uncertainty over the recovery of the year owing to the positive domestic Water and Sanitation at P89 million. of buildings is also ongoing as well as global economy. economic performance; with a moderate Projects aimed at improving the that of equipment including computers He said expenditure management surplus projected for the year. BOPA power situation include: Morupule A refurbishment at P100 million; electrification of villages at P100 million; North West Power Transmission Grid at P50 million; Rakola Power Substation at P50 million and ZIZABONA regional power project at P33 million. Botswana Power Corporation has also been allocated P1.5 billion to cover tariff subsidy and some operational expenses. A total of P150 million has been allocated for construction of an Oil Storage facility at Tshele Hills in Kgatleng District to address various energy needs in the country. Among projects to be implemented are high impact mega projects that include the Zambezi Integrated Agro- Commercial Development project and upgrading of ICT infrastructure to optic fibre. The projects are aimed at creating a conducive environment for private sector development, which is Morupule A refurbishment will augment power generation in the country the source of growth and employment 6 July 2015 I development news 15 MEWT makes efforts to mitigate livestock, property loss The efforts will be directed project seeks to encourage at reducing compensation communities to consider costs and employing several alternative means of income strategies which are expected such as venturing into tourism. to assist in reducing incidents As such, Chobe, Seronga and of wildlife/human conflicts as Boteti communities have been well as encourage stakeholders trained in different tourism to participate in a more specialities. meaningful way. That has resulted in The ministry’s development permanent employment of 67 budget of P90.5 million will be out of 103 trainees thus far. forwaded to the Department The DWNP will also spend of Wildlife and National Parks. P4 million to construct staff Programmes to be funded houses at Sedudu, P2 million Minister Khama under the allocations include on management plans for GABORONE: Ministry of Environment, the human wildlife co-existence protected areas and also P79.5 Wildlife and Tourism (MWET) is making projects which will cost P5 million on its law enforcement Government is making concerted efforts to reduce efforts to mitigate livestock and property million. project. BOPA human/wildlife conflict. losses due to wildlife. Among its objectives, the Kasane-Kazungula sewerage construction ends this year P8m for museum GABORONE: Construction of the million on programme implementation. project and P7million on development of galleries and Kasane-Kazungula sewerage scheme Funds will also cover the National Rural Waste Policy and Integrated Pollution which started in March 2012 is expected Sanitation programme which will require Prevention Control Act as well as reception to be completed this financial year. P200 million. upgrading of air quality monitoring The Department of Waste Management The department will also use P1 million stations. BOPA facilities and Pollution Control will spend P208 on the Gaborone sewerage infrastructure GABORONE: The Department of National Museum and Monuments is to spend P8 million on galleries and reception facilities project. In addition, two visitor facilities are complete and were officially opened in Mogonye and Gcwihaba. Work is ongoing at Domboshaba and Kolobeng for new visitor facilities. However, the second phase of the monuments projects starts this year. Heritage trails have been completed for southern Botswana, Gaborone, Francistown, Makgadikgadi and south Sua. Work is ongoing on the KAZA and Ntwetwe trails. An ivory statue to be erected at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is at final stage. It will showcase wildlife resources that Botswana conserves for humanity as a Sewage Plant in Gaborone whole. BOPA MoESD, BQA develop culturally sensitive psychometric tests The ministry headquarters will spend P127.9 million on computer equipment, networking and developing an education information system. Part of the funds will also be used to expand fleet for brigades. Ongoing projects which include development of credit and qualifications framework, curriculum review, development of post literacy skills programme, Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) alignment to BQA and Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) will also be covered under these Minister Dow funds. The Department of Technical and GABORONE: Ministry of Education Vocational Education and Training (DTVET) and Skills Development through will refurbish brigades with P10 million. Botswana Qualifications Authority Out of the amount, P5 million will finance (BQA) will develop culturally sensitive completion of ongoing maintenance while psychometric tests to inform career the remaining P5 million will be used for choices for learners. new brigades maintenance projects. Meanwhile, the Department of The ministry will also establish a national Secondary Education will use P706.7 million assessment programme and develop to fund ongoing projects which include an education and training strategic plan construction of two Unified Secondary (ETSSP). Schools at Tsabong and Mahupu. Funds will Overall, P844.6 million will be spent also cover construction of staff houses and under the development budget this maintenance of junior secondary schools. financial year on ongoing and new projects. BOPA Students doing practical work PIX: Any HIS housing, S’brana hospital
16 I development news 6 July 2015 Health ministry projects take off
Minister Makgato maternity and 24-hour services as well as GABORONE: Ministry of Health network 150 clinics/health posts. Gaborone IHS staff housing to be completed projects will finally take off this The health ministry is also looking Gaborone IHS staff housing which was A dispute adjudication board made final financial year and an allocation into developing quality information delayed in the past financial year pending settlement in August last year. management system to facilitate resolution of disputed issues between DBES is currently in consultation with of over P203.8 million caters for streamlining and management of all the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science PPADB to engage a contractor to implementation. quality improvement and monitoring of and Technology and the contractor, will complete the remaining works. BOPA Under its computerisation project, compliance to health care standards. now be completed at a cost of P2 million. the ministry continues to roll out the Integrated Patient Management System MoH awards Shakawe hospital staff houses tender (IPMS) to remaining hospitals which include Hukuntsi and Tsabong. P13.3 The ministry will improve health facilities January. Construction was expected to refurbishment. The survey will culminate million has been allocated to the project at a cost of P123.8 million. Rakops theatre start in March this year with an estimated in the production of detailed costs to complete the roll-out this financial construction is at 95 per cent, with few duration of one year. and tender documents for the actual year. The system has already gone live at electrical fittings including associated Detailed drawings and tender refurbishment work. Sbrana Psychiatric, Sefhare, Letlhakane, mechanical works pending completion. documentation has been done for the Funds will also cover procurement Masunga, Tutume and Bamalete Lutheran Tender for construction of Shakawe hospital component. Consultants were of an Ultra Sound Tumour Therapeutic hospitals. Networking and cabling of the hospital staff housing and advance civil engaged at the end of October last Machine and designs for Deborah Retief targeted 110 clinics is complete. This year, engineering works has been awarded year to conduct a conditional survey Memorial Hospital and Moshupa health IPMS will be rolled out to 20 clinics with and a contractor was commissioned in on the five old hospitals earmarked for facility. BOPA Health facilities connect to national grid
The Ministry of Health plans to get all facilities within the national grid connected this financial year. All facilities in the southern part which fall within the national grid have been assessed for power connection and assessment is ongoing in other parts of the country. Meanwhile, Kachikau clinic phase 2 construction started in April this year after evaluation of tenders. Construction of staff houses in various districts had delayed owing to the ministry exploring implementation modalities within the industry. Thus, three local authorities have File Picture: Thamaga Primary Hospital pledged their support in the construction of some staff houses. BOPA Lands ministry embarks on land servicing programme GABORONE: Servicing of land is expected been remitted to Public Procurement and home improvement loans for about 500 to draw P428 million from government Asset Disposal Board for a decision to be beneficiaries, 1000 SHHA turnkey projects coffers this financial year. made. Land servicing at Sowa infrastructure as well as implementation of four new The money will be spent on continuing project, SHHA Block 3 together with poverty alleviation and housing projects. infrastructure developments in Palapye upgrading of drainage system are expected Part of the funds will also be used for the Extension 11, Metsimotlhabe Block 4 as well to be complete by the end of this financial housing scheme for public officers of D4 as in design and construction of a special year. salary scale and below. economic zone in Gaborone. Reticulation of high and low voltage Government has also committed P400 About 3 330 plots are expected from power is expected to be completed million under the Public Debt Service Fund Extension 11 in Palapye and land servicing this financial year in Gaborone Block 8, (PDSF) loan for Instalment Purchase Scheme should be complete by mid-2016. Tsholofelo Extension, Lobatse airstrip and and Youth Housing implementation. Construction of Metsimotlhabe Block plantation as well as in Mekoro in Selebi- In all, the ministry has budgeted a total 4 infrastructure which was estimated to Phikwe. of P893 million for implementation of produce 1 960 plots was halted on account Low Income Housing Programme has continuing infrastructure developments of pending litigation. The matter has since been allocated P244.7 million for SHHA and low income housing programme. BOPA Minister Maele 6 July 2015 I development news 17 More houses on cards for destitute people
The remaining 152 housing units and 2013/14 financial years. implementation. are at different stages of construction The 242 houses allocated for All houses, including backlogs, are countrywide. The houses are carryovers construction in the 2014/15 financial expected to be completed during this and were an allocation for the 2012/13 year were at various stages of financial year. BOPA
Minister Tsogwane
GABORONE – Government will build 400 houses at a cost of P45 million for destitute people during the 2015/16 financial year. The houses are part of government’s effort to provide decent shelter for the less privileged. The ministry will construct 200 houses for destitute people countrywide and another 200 in the seven remote area communities’ districts. In the ministry’s continued efforts towards ensuring that the less priviledged are provided with shelter, 287 houses were completed out of a backlog of 439 housing units under the countrywide destitute housing programme in the previous year. Efforts underway to clear primary schools backlog More destitute people are expected to benefit from government’s initiative on poverty eradication. In an effort to clear the primary schools backlog eradication programme, the ministry will undertake several projects Infrastructure maintenance makes Gaborone clean city amongst them, construction of 77 classrooms, 216 toilets and 101 teachers’ About P15 million has been secured to Government and Rural Development as well as construction of inner lining houses. turn Gaborone into a Diamond City by are construction of Bobonong and for Selebi-Phikwe landfill received P12.5 In addition, the ministry will continue embarking on an aggressive project Letlhakeng internal roads as well as million. implementing ongoing projects, which that will include maintenance of roads, construction of Molepolole bus rank. The budget’s remaining P1.5 million include construction of 77 classrooms, traffic lights, streetlights and general The completed Palapye Bus and Taxi will be shared by the Remote Area 456 toilet blocks and 316 teachers’ cleanliness of the city this financial year. Rank got P13 million while under the Development Programme, consultancies houses. Meanwhile, some ongoing projects that Rural and Urban Sanitation Programme, and customary courts programmes. Government also continues to undertake will be funded under the Ministry of Local Gamodubu regional landfill in Kweneng BOPA pre-primary activities and currently reception classes are ongoing in 115 schools. BOPA Ipelegeng programme cushions Batswana Government through the Ipelegeng programme continues to complement other ministries efforts by undertaking minor construction and maintenance of infrastructure. This programme, whose main objective is to cushion Batswana against the effects of unfavourable economic conditions has been allocated P635 million, the lion’s share of the ministry’s budget this financial year. Under this programme, the ministry expects to create 62 191 short term employment opportunities on a monthly Palapye bus and taxi rank completed and handed over to Central Distric Council basis. BOPA 18 I development news 6 July 2015 MMEWR electrifies 10 villages
GABORONE: Gakgatla and Mmatseta in the Kweneng District are among 10 villages that will have electricity connection this financial year. The other eight villages are Tewane, Sehunou, Kutamogoree, Lorolwane, Moremi, Botlhatlogo, Sexaxa and Semane.
Funding for these projects will to carry out extension of electricity come from the over P3.316 billion distribution networks in 24 villages development budget of the Ministry already connected with electricity. of Minerals, Energy and Water Some of these villages are Resources (MMEWR). Molepolole, Mogoditshane, Gakuto, The exercise to expand the and Lentsweletau in Kweneng number of villages connected with District, Palapye, Shoshong, electricity is government’s effort to Mmashoro, and Paje in the Central ensure that more Batswana have District. access to electricity so that they can Others are Bokaa, Modipane, improve their social and economic Oodi, Rasesa, and Mochudi in the wellbeing. Kgatleng District, Ntlhantlhe and By the end of the 2014/15 Molapowabojang in the Southern financial year, 378 out of 492 villages District, as well as Ramotswa, Minister Mokaila in Botswana had been connected to Gungwe, Kang, Maun, Tati Siding, the electricity supply grid. Tlokweng, Borolong, Hukuntsi and The minister, Mr Kitso Mokaila, said Zwenshambe. Botswana the national access to electricity had Still under renewable energy and risen from 63 per cent in December, power development, which received constructs 2011 to 70 per cent this year. P112 million, government will Government’s target is for 80 per establish water and energy regulator cent of Batswana to have access to as well as continue with Jatropha petroleum electricity by 2016. Research Project. To achieve this, government aims storage facility MMEWR development budget will also cover construction of a P1.1 billion MIST prioritises rehabilitation of petroleum storage depot at Tshele Hills near Rasesa. government buildings Botswana uses around 1.2 billion litres of fuel every year. It is expected that the towards development of amount will increase hence the need to innovation and technology prepare for the future. The project entails support programmes, construction of a 161 million litre storage construction of a permanent facility for petrol, diesel and paraffin and a structure for disused radiation 14 kilometre access rail from Malotwane, sources, research and 4.2km of an access road and a 4.8 km dual development programmes. carriage (road over Rail Bridge). The second largest share of P150 million goes to BIH, which has forged a partnership with the Department of Information Technology to build an integrated Government Data Centre within the park on turnkey basis. The newly established Minister Molefhi Botswana Institute for Technology Research GABORONE: Government Building and Innovation (BITRI), Infrastructure and Related Services which drives the mineral Rehabilitation Fund is to take the largest beneficiation programme, share of more than P287 million of will receive P70 million for its the total development budget of the research and development Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and programmes. Technology (MIST). The ministry has been The remaining share of P39 allocated more than P546 million for its million was allocated to Atomic development budget this financial year. Energy Usage and Radiation The fund is intended for rehabilitation Protection, Research, Science of government buildings and also and Technology fleet construction of the Science and expansion, MIST consultancies Technology Park, as well as Botswana and computerisation projects. North South Carrier II Innovation Hub (BIH) initiatives geared BOPA receives financial boost
Under the water planning and will also be implemented. Palapye, Mahalapye and development programme, These include groundwater sanitation and sewage projects which received P838 million, the investigations, design and in Kanye and Molepolole, Ministry of Minerals Energy and construction of Veolia Water as well as design review of Water Resources will undertake Solutions in North West, Letlhakane sanitation. The the second phase of the Kweneng, Kgalagadi, Ghanzi ministry has also budgeted P50 ongoing North-South Carrier and Central districts, water million for the advisory services II Pipeline project and also supply interconnection and by the dam as well as Coal continue with implementation Shakawe Rehabilitation Plant. Monatisation experts. of the emergency water project. The remaining funds will P4 million will be spent on Other projects, which were be spent on other ongoing implementation of the National transferred from the Ministry projects, among them, water Integrated Geo-science of Local Government and Rural supply development in major Information system project. Development to MMEWR, villages of Kanye, Molepolole, BOPA Botswana Innovation Hub Office 6 July 2015 I development news 19 Industrial Court procures court recording equipment GABORONE: The Industrial Court, under Balanced Scorecard. The Industrial Court the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, will also close its building final account will procure recording equipment and and establish a call centre. inter-link rooms within and between its Established 11 years ago, the Industrial divisions. Court continues to settle trade disputes. It has been allocated over P5.8 million It has continued to ensure that good part of which will also be used to procure industrial relations are dispensed to all ICT hardware and software, overhaul residents, regardless of their geographic its network as well as automate the location. BOPA
Trade minsitry develops computer system, infrastructure GABORONE: Ministry of Trade and projects; computerisation project, Industry (MTI) has been allocated P21 consultation and infrastructure facilities. million for the 2015/16 financial year to BOPA undertake its development projects. Funds will be spent as follows: P3 million for the ministry’s computerisation, P8 million for consultancies and P10 million for infrastructure facilities. The 2014/15 development budget provision for the ministry, Minister Vincent Seretse said, was P33 million Industrial court building and was also allocated for the following Passport, border control system rolls out
install public key directory. The roll out That is intended to address transport Minister Seretse process has been budgeted P15 million, challenges to improve service delivery. SPEDU turns three dams out of the ministry’s total development Services include registration and budget of P51.9 million. issuance of identity cards (Omang), into tourist attractions The ministry previously had challenges monitoring of women economic GABORONE: Selebi-Phikwe Economic of frequent passport and Border Control empowerment and income generating Diversification Unit (SPEDU) will System breakdown that constrained projects and labour inspections. complete construction of a processing processing of passport applications and The ministry will also carry out plant for horticultural produce and facilitation of travel through ports of consultancies at a cost of P3.9 million emergency runway refurbishment works entry. out of which P1.5 million will fund at Selebi-Phikwe during the 2015/16 Out of the total budget, P44 million will Gender Based Violence Prevention and financial year. be used for computerisation projects and Elimination initiatives. SPEDU, which is currently undergoing P14 million to develop the Work Permit P2.4 million will be spent on European organisational transformation, is Module under the Immigration and Development Fund 10 (EDF-10) project expected to be fully operational by the Citizenship System (ICS). for the Empowerment of Non-State second quarter of this financial year. Computerisation of critical functions Actors (NSAs) in Botswana. And, in line with tourism development, of the Civil and National Registration and An allocation of P2.5million will SPEDU has teamed up with Botswana Minister Batshu Linkage with other systems project will maintain Madirelo Training and Testing Tourism Organisation to turn three dams use P15 million. Centre and settle the final account for in the region into areas of attraction - GABORONE: Government is set to roll The ministry will also spend P1.5 Gaborone District Labour Office. BOPA Letsibogo, Thune and Dikgatlhong. out the Passport and Border Control million on additional vehicles to increase The Competition Authority also System to 17 border posts and the existing fleet vehicles. continues to monitor markets and enhance competition in the economy. Since the beginning of this financial year, the authority has completed 20 mergers, two of which are expected to empower horticultural producers and facilitate entry of a small citizen owned enterprise in Cash in Transit and Alarm and Response market.
BITC partners with local producers
More aggressive efforts are being made to create global awareness about Botswana, and to realise this, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) has partnered with local producers to air a An immigration officer serving customers series of television episodes on “Doing Business in Botswana.” BOPA 20 I development news 6 July 2015 Youth internet access set to increase MYSC fences community sport fields
GABORONE: Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture intends fencing some community Minister Olopeng sport fields during the 2015/16 financial year GABORONE: Young people are set to have increased to promote sport for all access of free internet, thanks or mass participation in to government’s decision to sport programmes with build outdoor sitting facilities in a view to contributing public libraries. to national fitness and The project, under the National Library wellness. Services, has been allocated P4.6 million. Availability of outdoor sitting facilities Currently, some stadia are not in good will enable access of free Wi-fi internet condition and require maintenance to from public libraries. bring them to acceptable condition for Users will not have to be always inside sporting activities. libraries to access the internet because The ministry has, therefore, been Wi-fi is provided over a 100 metres radius. allocated P50 million for additional The bandwidth will be increased to works required to complete the improve the speed of internet access. Francistown Stadium while the process Thus far, internet access has been a life to maintain Maun stadium has started. changer for most rural communities. Furthermore, the ministry will On the other hand, library services have also use P50 million for Design and grown and improved quality of services Build contract for construction of they offer. the National Performance Arena in The ministry is also exploring Gaborone. digitalisation of the National Archives This financial year, a total and Records Services to improve its development budget of P110 million access which is currently declining. has been allocated to the ministry to Currently, access to these documents is cater for development of the ministry’s only through visits to the premises. There IT infrastructure project, cultural was a general decline of 10 per cent in the development and performing arts, level of usage of the archives, while the sport and recreation and national size of the collection increased by 20 per library service. BOPA cent. BOPA Government encourages well-functioning performing arts groups
GABORONE : Government has taken a decision to buy marimba and music instruments for all the 57 constituencies. This is to encourage the performing arts sector. Provision of the music instruments is geared towards encouraging youth to form well-functioning performing arts groups. Arts and culture provides an opportunity of creating employment for the youth hence theministry’s aim to stimulate growth of the sector. Currently, the ministry runs the President’s Day Competitions and Constituency Art Competitions. In addition, it offers the Arts and Culture Grant at a value of P11 million to promote growth of the arts. The ministry is also looking into increasing the grant to further stimulate growth and commercialisation of the arts. Interest in the arts sector is said to have increased since inception of the President’s Day competitions. Participation in the President’s Day competitions has progressed from 3 274 artists in 2008 to 12 118 in 2014/15. Participation in the constituency art competitions has grown from 6 952 in Government is providing music instruments to encourage youth to form well-functioning performing arts groups 2010 to a total of 24 447 in 2014/15. BOPA 6 July 2015 I development news 21 Finance ministry constructs revenue offices
GABORONE: Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) will this financial year construct revenue offices and staff houses at Charles Hill, Hukuntsi and Shakawe at an estimated cost of P60 million. Still under the ministry’s infrastructure facilities budget of P76.6 million, government will construct staff houses at Machaneng at P6.6 million and design Financial Intelligence Agency office building at an estimated cost of P10 million.
e-procurement system, actual basis accounting to ease service delivery GABORONE: Ministry of Finance million. facilities project out of which P60 and Development Planning (MFDP) Over P74.9 million will be used on million will be used for construction will spend over P183 million on ongoing consultancies and research of revenue offices and staff houses at computerisation, consultancies and projects which include agricultural Charleshill, Hukuntsi and Shakawe, P6.6 research as well as facilities. census, census of enterprises and million for construction of staff houses Computerisation projects include at establishment, Botswana Core Welfare at Machaneng and P10 million for Public Procrement and Asset Disposal Indicator Survey, PPP Consultancy design of Financial Intelligence Agency Board, migration from cash to actual Project and Labour Force Survey. office building. BOPA basis of accounting and government About P76.6 million will cater for e-procurement system at a cost of P31.5 on-going activities under the MFDP Minister Matambo Foreign Affairs opens office in Addis Ababa allocated to the ministry for its projects this financial year. A chancery in New York will also be renovated at a cost of P2.5 million. Allocation will be used to pay for various renovation works which were not part of the scope of work during major renovation of the chancery. The works are necessary for New York Municipal Authority to issue a Certificate of Occupancy for the chancery. An allocation of over P8.1 million Minister Venson-Moitoi has been forwarded to the ministry to maintain government property. GABORONE: Ministry of Foreign Funds will carry out extensive Affairs and International Cooperation is renovations of government owned to construct a chancery in Addis Ababa, property at eight different missions Ethiopia. in Washington DC, United States The project will cost P25 million. Funds of America at a cost of P200 000, will cover actual construction of the Windhoek, Namibia at PP460 000, chancery shell and architectural services Johannesburg, South Africa at P2 and project supervision. million, Lusaka, Zambia at P1 million, The ministry will also use P3 million to Brussels, Belgium at P981 000, maintain the GABS operating system Harare, Zimbabwe at P1 million, in Botswana missions following its London, United Kingdom at P2 million completion in the past financial year. and Beijing, China at P500 000. Allocation will also be used to upgrade Funds are to be used to undertake the operating software as well as conduct major maintenance works whose tutorial workshops for system users on nature and magnitude goes beyond the new features which would have come the normal minor maintenance Ministry of Foreign Affairs building with the upgrade. budget allocation under the recurrent Funds are part of the over P38.6 million budget. BOPA