BHC successfully delivers SHHA Turnkey Projects in the Ghanzi North Constituency

Botswana Housing Corporation recently handed over complete Self Help Housing Agency turnkey projects in Ghanzi North constituency to beneficiaries. SHAA turnkey projects are currently coordinated under the Single Housing Authority under the auspices of the Botswana Housing Corporation as part of a move by the Government to consolidate all housing programme from a central point.

In his keynote address the Minister of Lands and Housing Prince Maele said the event was in line with the Botswana National Housing Strategy which recognises housing as a basic need and a prerequisite for national socio-economic development.  He said through the strategy document and other avenues the Government of Botswana through his ministry is committed to the promotion of dignity and improvement of the equality of lives of Batswana through sustainable provision of land and affordable housing. Minister Maele declared that the event was a commendable milestone in that the project was completed on budget and on the specified time.

He announced that Government has approved the Social Housing Programme in 2014, which he said includes re-organization of low Income Housing programme for SHHA Turnkey and SHHA Home Improvement to increase the upper limit threshold from P36, 400 to P52, 000 per annum. “The loans to beneficiaries will also increase from the current amount of P60, 000 to P90, 000 for Turnkey while that for Home Improvement will move from a maximum of P45, 000 to P60, 000 effective from 1st April, 2015,” he declared. The Minister further pointed out that these amounts will be region specific and will be reviewed regularly to reflect the location cost of material and labour. 

Minister Maele commended the contractor who was engaged to build the SHHA turnkey houses in Ghanzi North despite challenges which he encountered stating that other contractors could borrow a leaf from him to ensure that projects are completed on time for the benefit of Batswana. When turning to beneficiaries he reminded them that for the Government to assist other Batswana they have to fulfil their end of the bargain by ensuring that loans are paid so that the money can be rolled over to build more SHHA turnkey projects.

Giving the overview of the projects, BHC Chief Executive Officer Mr Reginald Motswaiso said the handover demonstrates the Corporation’s commitment and promise to deliver complete houses to beneficiaries on time and on budget. Motswaiso noted that in September 2014 a total of 34 SHHA turnkey houses which comprise 17 houses in Ghanzi South and Ghanzi North Constituencies respectively were started along with others in Ngami, Okavango, Maun East and Maun West and Chobe constituencies. He shared that currently the plan shows that three constituencies being Ghanzi North, Maun East and Maun West are performing very well in terms of progress while the rest are experiencing various challenges which he said will be addressed to ensure that the houses are delivered to beneficiaries.

Motswaiso added that for all the projects they have engaged Category B contractors and the tender for construction of 17 houses in Ghanzi North was Kota Construction at a total of 2.2 million pula while Ghanzi South was awarded to Greatland Construction Company at the tune of P2.1 million. He said the Corporation’s role is not only to oversee the construction of the houses as per the agreed specifications and budget but also to facilitate local contractors to participate meaningfully in economic development of this country.    

Motswaiso further commended the Ghanzi District Commissioner and District Council for their continued support and guidance during the construction of the said houses indicating that the relationship is very critical in that the Township management is constantly aware of all developments pertaining to these projects.

The handover ceremony was attended by among others, Senior Government officials from the Ministry of Lands and Housing, BHC Board Chairperson District Administration Authority, Councillors and the administration officials, Land Board Officials, Tribal Authorities and beneficiaries in the Ghanzi North Constituency.