The completion of the iconic ‘Mall of Maun’ project has been deferred by a month from the initial date of September to November 2023 owing to delays in the disbursement funds from the financiers.
The project, a development by Tame Malls which is located along the Thamalakane River in Maun’s Borolong ward commenced on May 1st last year and it was initially anticipated to be completed in 16 months’ period.
In an interview, Tame Mall Chief Operating Officer (COO) Palesa Makepe Tiro said they are optimistic that the mall will be completed in November this year, now that funds are available for procurement of materials which they have been waiting for.
Doubts have however been raised as to whether the mall will indeed be completed by the set month looking at the slow progress so far made on site. A construction specialist who chose to remain anonymous opined that the set date will be determined by the resources and materials available at the site as well as manpower, otherwise it will not be easy to meet the deadline.
“Looking at the progress on the site, it may be impossible for the November deadline. I doubt they will finish in 10 months,” he said.
Previously, Tame Malls Chief Executive Officer Seloma Tiro noted that they have set themselves four goals ahead of the construction which include, giving ownership of the project to the Maun community, creating the needed infrastructure in Ngamiland, creating employment in the district and above all answering the call of Masisi of creating employment.
“Out of these goals we have achieved one which is ensuring that the mall belongs to the Maun community. As Tame Malls what belongs to us is only the Debt but the product belongs to you the community of Maun,” Tiro stressed.
The project is said to have created more than 2000 jobs since inception adding that 60 % are the inhabitants of this region.
The company also nominated a Maun based environmental company, Champs Botswana to be part of the construction journey until the finalisation of the project. The CEO noted that this will ensure safety, and environmental health of the area which is very sensitive.
“We do not want be seen to be coming in and try to establish an entity that is destructive, we are going to create a friendly atmosphere to Thamalakane river because it’s an asset of the people of Maun and we cannot afford to see it polluted.” the CEO promised.
Among some of the tenants expected to occupy the mall upon completion include Checkers which is the premier brand of Shoprite as well as Woolworths, Clicks, Edgars, Pep Group, Banks, different local parastatals, Acacia Café, Capello, RocoMamas, Nandos Drive Trough, Chicken Licken, a filling station, pharmacies, hair salons, treatment spas, and crafts.
