President Duma Boko has reiterated government’s commitment to reducing overcrowding, promoting workforce deployment, and supporting homeownership as a pathway to stability and economic mobility.
Boko said this during the Bonno Housing Scheme groundbreaking ceremony, held simultaneously across five locations that included Maun, Tati, Gaborone, Mabutsane and Palapye where he officiated the ceremony marking a significant step forward in Botswana’s ambitious plan to deliver 100,000 houses by 2028.
He described the housing project as a “building block” toward a more equitable and inclusive Botswana, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and communities.
Boko urged citizens to shift their mindset and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on challenges.
“We ought to reprogram our mindset. A leader should claim the moments of appointment by God and manifest things into being, rather than always pointing out problems and complaining,” he said.
He emphasized that such an attitude would allow the country to remain focused and thrive in the current economic climate.
He also stressed the importance of promoting local manufacturing, stating: “We are going to use our local products—be it cement, door frames—as long as they are made by Batswana in Botswana. We ought to support our community and strengthen our manufacturing ability as a country.” Boko added that this commitment requires greater engagement with local producers and the creation of more opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
Assistant Minister of Water and Lands, Motsamai Motsanai, emphasized the holistic benefits of the housing program, highlighting not only the delivery of homes but also the critical upstream and downstream employment opportunities created by the project.
“This project will create employment opportunities including jobs for engineers, architects, skilled laborers, project managers, and suppliers, as well as indirect benefits for retail, logistics, and public service sectors,” he said.
The Maun 55 project, affectionately known as Ohanja Estate, is a flagship development within the Botswana Housing Corporation’s (BHC) broader agenda to provide inclusive, affordable, and dignified housing for all Batswana. This housing scheme serves as one of the launch sites to construct 61,000 housing units across the 61 constituencies in Botswana.
Speaking at the Maun ceremony, BHC Head of Facility Management, Benjamin Olebile outlined how the project supports government’s commitment to accelerating social development and economic inclusion. The development phases, comprising a total of 100 units (45 units launched in October 2024 and 55 units currently underway), will foster local economic growth through citizen contractor participation and community empowerment.
“This project aims to empower local contractors and to stimulate growth in our communities thus building upon creating job opportunities for them”, he said.
For his part, Kgosi Tshupelo Bontsibokae of Matlapana community assured that the Bonno housing scheme will serve as a stepping stone towards achieving sustainable development and economic inclusion in the country.
