BOTSWANA GOVT. APPROVED P13BILLIION FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The Development Manager (DM) model will be used for the efficient and effective implementation of 143 projects with a budget allocation of over P13 billion, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

The DM model, he said during the State-of-the-Nation Address in Gaborone yesterday, was one of the significant reforms ushered in during the Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP).

Among the roads to be constructed through the DMmodel are Modipane-Mabalane (24km), Molepolole Bypass (28km), Tloaneng-Mankgodi (12km), Mmathethe-Bray-Werda (125km), three Grade Separated Interchanges at Molapo Crossing, Block 8 Traffic circle and Airport Junction.

The TNDP, President Masisi added, was being implemented this financial year and will end in 2024/2025, adding that other game changer reforms included the Artificial Insemination programme with imported bulls and heifers, Temo Letlotlo, village connectivity as well as acquisition of high value assets and government online services.

He thanked Batswana for enabling him, since he took the baton, to traverse unchartered territories to take Botswana to great heights.

“This was not just a journey but a testament to our resilience and unwavering commitment to shaping a legacy that would transcend time,” he added.

He said the country was developing at a rate poised to provide a solid foundation for citizens to thrive to achieve Prosperity for All.

Regarding residential land a l locat ions count rywide, President Masisi said a total of 57 880 residential plots were allocated to citizens by the end of June this year.

“An add i t iona l 72 095 residential plots across the country have been surveyed and will be allocated in various areas.

This represents an increase of over 800 per cent in the rate of land allocation,” he added.

This arrangement, he said, would continue while a more comprehensive and sustainable programme was being put in place through the National Spatial Plan implementation.

He said government had since independence used every available opportunity to reform land tenure systems that included the acquisition of freehold land for village expansions, township developments and provisions of grazing land to communities.

The North East District, President Masisi said, was one of the districts that experienced shortage of land due to the existence of freehold farms, especially in the hands of the Tati Company Limited.

As a result, government made a decision to acquire the remaining land belonging to the company, measuring about 45 000 hectares.

“The decision demonstrates our commitment to avail land to Batswana for socio-economic development and attainment of the aspirations of Vision 2036, Achieving Prosperity for All,” President Masisi said.