Boidus Focus - Vol 2, Issue 7 [Aug 2012] by Boidus Botswana

23.08.2012

OIDUS FOCUS

Registered at GPO as a Newspaper Volume 2, Issue #7

NEWS > 02 MIST hand over one of the two phases of BIUST 03 International News Feature: RIBA Stirling Prize 2012 Shortlist

Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper

www.boidus.co.bw

BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >

BOIDUS FEATURE >

PROPERTY > 14 Property Market Sectors: What is HOT? What is NOT SO HOT? 16 How to recession-proof your next investment property

BOIDUS EXPO SPECIAL

BUILDINGS > 06 Interpark Launches the First Managed Revenue Generating Parking Site in Botswana 15 Architecture for Humanity: A Catalyst for Innovation

P5.00 (Including VAT)

“The first house we built cost P95,000 and today, you wouldn’t sell it for under a million...” Sandy Kelly, MD of Time Projects tells the story of the rise/fall and resilience in developing first class properties in Botswana by Kibo Ngowi

STATE YOUR MORTGAGE GOAL Main Objective • Total cost. The total mortgage cost (principal, interest, closing cost, etc.) over the projected life of this loan (10 years) should be minimized. Mortgage Constraints • Upfront payment. The total upfront payment (down payment, points, settlement costs, etc.). • Monthly mortgage. Over the projected life of this loan, the monthly mortgage payment (principal plus interest). • Rate stability. Over the projected life of this loan, the interest rate in any single year should be no more than 10%. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 13

Time Projects Timeline 1986 Time Projects Botswana established 1988 Sandy Kelly joins Time Projects Botswana as General Manager

Real Estate/Property or Stocks? What’s your taste?

Left Image: [Residential] Private Hospital Staff Housing; Right Image: [Retail] Hillside Shopping Centre, Lobatse (2004)

by Othata. A.O. Batsetswe

When Sandy Kelly relocated from his birth country of South Africa to the warm climate of Botswana in 1988, Time Projects Botswana had already been operating for two years. Kelly first came on as General Manager and within three years, he was appointed Managing Director. Today, he is a shareholder in the company which is now wholly owned by local senior

A Guide To The Pros And Cons Of Invsting Your Money in Property BA Economics & Population Studies, Master of Finance & Control, Post Graduate Certificate in Risk Management (EXP), Project Management.

Have you ever found yourself wondering, which is the next step to take on matters regarding investment? Usually two options pop up, investment in property or stock/shares. The answer is complex and depends on your lifelong ambitions. Or in a nut-

shell, we can start by asking, how old are you? I’ve always believed the passion to invest is a component of where you’re coming from and the ultimate destination. Lets dissect the two opportunities. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04

Boidus Newspaper sat down for an exclusive interview with Time Projects Managing Director Sandy Kelly to learn from his first-hand experience of building a successful property management company in Botswana writes Kibo Ngowi management. Time Projects is responsible for a number of commercial and residential properties, spanning across the country, including Nswazwi Mall, Sebele Shopping Centre, Boiteko Junction in Serowe, Kgale Manor Boiketlo Estates at Phakalane and at Phakalane Golf Estate.

1991 Sandy Kelly appointed Managing Director 1993 Holding Company goes into liquidation and Time Projects Botswana becomes a subsidiary of Concor Construction 2001 Local senior Management buys out Concor Construction stake in Time Projects Botswana 2007 Primetime established, takes ownership of all Time Projects’ investment properties and is listed on the stock exchange

>>> CONTINUED PAGE 08

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Local News Page 2

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

MIST hand over one of the two phases of BIUST by Keeletsang Dipheko

one year defect liability period. “Failure to immediately utilize any part of this facility during the defects liability period will mean that any defects discovered after the expiry of that period will have to be paid for in order to rectify them,” said the honorable minister.

LOCAL NEWS FEATURE

PPC Botswana’s Number Builder Competition by Keeletsang Dipheko

As the government decided to develop BIUST in two phases, the first of which is the Founding Campus, funded solely by the Government of Botswana is designed to accommodate an initial intake of 256 students, whereas the second and larger phase is intended to be funded and developed using a Private Public Partnership methodology. “Plans are that when both phases are complete, the campus will have a total of 6000 full time students.” The Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology (MIST) has handed over the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) project to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. According to the minister Johnie Swartz the hand over is timely as he had the opportunity to present to the Honourable Members of Parliament their revised National Policy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation recently. A policy which will

guide and assist activities of the University as it aims to create a conducive environment for Research, Science and Innovation to thrive. On the other hand the Cabinet’s position is that the Ministry of Education and Skills Development should do everything possible to ensure that BIUST students start their classes this year. Immediate occupation of BIUST buildings will provide BIUST opportunity to identify any latent defects for the contractor to rectify at own cost during the

The founding Campus situated on 2500 hectare plot comprises the following main buildings; Administration, Library & Auditorium, Laboratories and classrooms, Multi-Purpose Hall, 35 semi-detached Junior Staff Houses, 35 Senior Staff Houses, Kitchen & Dining Hall, Students’ Hostels and Sports Fields.The campus has also its own sewer ponds to sustain its operations until Palapye Treatment Plant has been expanded and the reticulation network extended to service this area.

The PPC Botswana’s Number 1 Builder Competition for this year is around the corner. Unlike in the previous competitions, this third competition has invested in countrywide workshops to take place in major construction sites in Gaborone on the 10th and 17th August 2012, in Maun on the 11th August 2012 and in Francistown on the 18th August 2012. PPC Botswana’s Number 1 Builder Competition targets all builders big and small in two categories – Civil and Commercial, and the Building Construction. It aims to showcase excellence in Botswana’s building industry. By rewarding outstanding projects in the two categories, PPC is encouraging industry’s best practice and standards. “Our partners, Tshipidi Badiri, AAB, ABCON and CRSG as representatives of major players in the construction industry, will bring their respective members to the workshops. Together we can capacitate the industry about safety, standards and trends. PPC will bring concrete technology experts, architects and many more to share their expertise as part of the education drive of Number 1 Builder Competition. This is a way of giving back to the community where we operate and draw our employees,” says Werner De Beer PPC Botswana General Manager. The judging criterion includes quality of workmanship, safety practices on site, being on time and within budget, application, finishing and the overall aesthetic appeal of the finished project. Prizes up for grabs include a Toyota bakkie, one ton of cement and a certificate of excellence in Building for the overall winner in the Civil and Commercial category with many consolation prizes, whilst for the Building Construction category in addition to the certificate of excellence in building the overall winner will take home a 7 ton Toyota truck and one ton of cement. “The competition’s panel of judges is drawn from 4 of the key Botswana industry associations, namely AAB, ABCON, CRSG and Tshipidi Badiri. All of these associations are represented by individuals with diverse backgrounds ranging from Project management, architecture, civil engineering and quantity surveying. PPC also brings its wealth of experience to the table with Risk professionals and Concrete Technologists. They do not only boast a lot of expertise in the industry but they bring unique thinking when reviewing various projects of the competition, and this is a critical aspect of the competition,” explains de Beer. While excellent workmanship is an important component in this competition PPC Botswana wants to highlight its commitment to safety in the industry. For PPC, its employees are the most important part of the business and their safety is paramount. By instilling this belief throughout Botswana the cement manufacturing company hopes to make all construction sites as safe as the PPC sites, locally and internationally,” said De Beer. The construction industry in Botswana is helping this nation grow and we are pleased to be associated with PPC in this regard,” said Mr Basiami, one of last year’s No.1 Builder judges from Tshipidi Badiri . “I look forward to seeing the next entrants and watching how these awards improves the quality of work in the industry.” “We look forward to the Number 1 Builder Competition, it will run from August to October after which short listing will take place. The Award Ceremony is set for December 2012 where prizes such as a double cab Toyota Bakkie, Hino, and a ton of cement are up for grabs. We encourage everyone in the construction industry to participate,” concludes De Beer.

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Local / International News Page 3

Government to crack whip on INTERNTIONAL NEWS FEATURE non performing contractors RIBA Stirling Prize 2012 Shortlist by Boidus Admin / Source: ribastirlingprize.architecture.com

by Keeletsang P. Dipheko

In his opening remarks at the recently held High Level Consultative Centre (HLCC), the President of the Republic of Botswana LT. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama urged for a Public and Private Partnership to improve service delivery in the country on a Universal Basis.

The shortlist for the prestigious 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize features six exceptional and completely different buildings from across the country which will now go head to head for architecture’s highest accolade and a £20,000 prize from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The RIBA Stirling Prize is now in its seventeenth year; the 2012 winner will be announced at a special event in Manchester on Saturday 13 October.

The president mentioned that they are expecting a report from BOCCIM on a Customer Survey that BOCCIM and the Private Sector will carry out on service delivery to the public and the private sector by individual ministries, and the report is expected by the end of September 2012. With a view to improve Government service delivery to the public, the private sector is expected to ensure competent and timely service delivery in the execution of Government contracts. He further mentioned that in regards to this, the government has adopted a position to terminate contracts that fail to deliver to expectations, and this is being implemented. “All such contracts are terminated with attendant penalties and liquidated damages.”

About the RIBA Stirling Prize Every year the prize is presented to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture over the past year. The prize is for projects ‘built or designed in Britain’. Buildings are eligible if they are in the UK or EU, and designed by an architect whose head office is in the UK.

Olympic Stadium, London by Populous

Meanwhile, Government Departments and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) will on a continuous basis identify defaulting contractors, whether citizen or foreign, so that they are not considered for award of the government contracts in future. In conclusion the president said as government they are being open to invite comments and suggestions from BOCCIM and the private sector with the trust that BOCCIM and the private sector will respond positively to this opportunity.

The Hepworth, Wakefield by David Chipperfield Architects

Maggie’s Centre, Glasgow by OMA

New Court, London by OMA with Allies & Morrison

Lyric Theatre, Belfast by O’Donnell + Tuomey

Govt Drops China Civil Corruption Case

by Boidus Admin / Source: gabzfm.com, Friday, 17 August, 2012 - 15:45 The state has dropped charges against all the accused persons in the corruption case in which China Civil Engineering is alleged to have tried to influence former Permanent Secretary, Carter Morupisi, with a 250 thousand pula bribe. The State Prosecutor said the reasons are that the case cannot proceed as one of the key suspects left the country citing medical reasons but never returned to face trial. He says a warrant of arrest has now

been issued against him. The state has also told the court that there is insufficient evidence to try the matter. The Defence lawyer however expressed his displeasure at the way some of their client’s acquire bail and then skip the country. China Civil Engineering Company is charged with corruption for trying to influence two civil servants by corruptly giving them 20 thousand Pula and 250 thousand Pula respectively in March 2011.

Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge by Stanton WIlliams

Editorials Page 4

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

FINANCE CORNER

Real Estate/Property or Stocks? What’s your taste

by Othata. A.O. Batsetswe, BA Economics & Population Studies, Master of Finance & Control, Post Graduate Certificate in Risk Management (EXP), Project Management. [The author writes in his personal capacity]

With every investment there are challenges and opportunities. Real estate is more opportune an investment for the lower and middle classes of the economy. It’s a wealth creating opportunity in that the investment is tangible.” >>> FROM PAGE 01

Stocks: when you buy shares you buy into shareholding of the company, simply meaning you become one of the directors (that’s the truth) and therefore have a say in how the company is run. Challenge is you may be an insignificant shareholder. Property investment: when you invest in property, you buy the only limited and fixed asset in the

world. You have the opportunity to build a house/ multi residence and earn a substantial income of course after paying the mortgage and pocket the rest as profit. With every investment there are challenges and opportunities. Real estate is more opportune an investment for the lower and middle classes of the economy. It’s a wealth creating opportunity in that the investment is tangible. It satisfies the soul, I’ve

had an opportunity to take drives with some of my friends to view their plots in the greater Gaborone and other parts of the city. When they talk you can feel it in their voices, the level of pride, when they walk their plots you can sense the way they step on the soil that they are proud of their asset. This is the beauty about owning land, you can show it off, you cannot be defrauded of the value and you will not wake one day and find that the value has gone as opposed to stocks. After 2008 financial

crisis and the Euro crisis, the picture with owning shares as a commoner became a little clouded. The current interest rate fixing scandals leave very little to be desired and erodes the confidence that people have with stocks. The attitudes of auditors and fund managers are becoming questionable and when such questions are raised, investor confidence and shareholder value is eroded. Real estate also provides a hedge opportunity against inflation, all one needs to do is to look at the continued soaring price of land, a piece of land that one could get for a hundred thousand in 2010 now will set you off at three hundred thousand, and that’s an adorable growth but only in Botswana. Under normal circumstances the value of land is dependent on the power of leverage. Investing in shares/stock is mostly for the affluent families, why? Because they are already above average and have more loose change to spend but not limited to (wealthy). Stocks gives you an opportunity to own a company and looking at the entrepreneurial flair of Batswana nowadays, you then realize that people do want to own business and buying shares gives you that opportunity. I’ve always believed that investing in stocks is great when it happens in extreme ages of one’s productive life. What I mean by that that is once you complete college/university and start working; one has an opportunity to craft their portfolio with ease. At that point you are not eligible to any loan and therefore after buying furniture and all other household appliances, it advisable to buy stock. This will boost your confidence, cultivate a culture of investment and maximize your risk appetite. High quality stocks increase their profits every year and this means cash dividends grow as well. So whenever an IPO is listed make sure you do a market research on the product they sell, check the current demand and future needs of the commodity, never forget the supply side, for if there is going to be mass production of the production and everyone can produce the product then growth in value will either remain stagnant or drop. Another opportunity about stocks is liquidity and at younger ages when borrowing is the norm, it becomes very easy to borrow against your stock because all that needs to happen is for your broker to approve you for margin borrowing which will be as easy as cashing a cheque already. Investing early in stocks, if it’s the right stock, gives you an opportunity to negotiate your interest charges. On the upper end/extreme, assuming you made all your other potential investments during your mid years, when you retire you can then buy stock and provide a great wealth for you and beneficiaries. Stock has also had potential to grow, the world billionaires are stock owners, I remember when I was a student and one company that was listing and was selling for P0.15 and now its stocks rest at P1.28, now that will have been great wealth. Despite the opportune growth and the utility there is really no better option compared to the other, it’s like comparing a Lexus to a Mercedes Benz, Volvo to a Jetta. They are the same and a matter of taste and preference. Stock has the potential to grow if the primary product is scarce and in demand. Stock is easy to buy in that you need small amount of money but real estate requires lots of money. A control of emotions is good if you want to reap benefit from stocks. Property growth is leverage based. Investing is great and timing is of the essence. Learn the drivers of the economy and create your portfolio based on your convictions. Develop timelines for investment. Just because Real estate is a passion to you does not mean when a property dealing company invests on the stock market you should buy such stock, from experience most property related companies haven’t fared well in the stock market. So invest wisely and create wealth.

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Boidus Markets Page 5

BOIDUS MARKETS

Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Domestic Property Listed Companies

RDC Properties Limited

by Boidus Admin / Source: bse.co.bw (Retrieved 18th August 2012) Turnstar Holdings Limited

RDC is a property management and property development company in Botswana, with some business in Madagascar through its Mauritian Subsidiary. Its portfolio includes retail and commercial property.

PrimeTime Property Holdings Limited Listed on the BSE in October 2002, Turnstar Holdings is a property investment company. Its major investments include Game City shopping complex. It is one of the first listed entities to take advantage of the BSE Venture Capital Board that has less stringent listing requirements.

Letlole La Rona Limited

PrimeTime is a variable rate loan stock company on the BSE and was incorporated in Botswana on 29 August 2007 and listed on the BSE on 20 December 2007.

New African Properties Limited

The Company was incorporated as a public company according to the laws of Botswana on 8 July 2010 under Company Number CO2010/6316 as an immoveable variable rate loan stock company. The Company has acquired Properties from three subsidiary companies (‘Vendors’) belonging to Botswana Development Corporation Limited (‘BDC’), Botswana’s main agency for commercial, retail and industrial development. The three subsidiary companies are Commercial Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Western Industrial Estates (Pty) Ltd and Botswana Hotel Development Company (Pty) Ltd The Properties acquired by the Company represent financially viable properties, in terms of tenants and in terms of stable rental stream. The mix of Properties, including hotel, commercial and industrial properties represents a diversified yet balanced portfolio of long term and short term rentals, in the tourism and industrial sectors of the economy

NAP will represent a consolidation of the property interests of Cash Bazaar Holdings, its wholly owned subsidiaries and the subsidiaries in which the minorities have interest on, into a single fund

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Buildings Page 6

Interpark Launches the First Managed Revenue Generating Parking Site in Botswana by Keeletsang Dipheko

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Botswana’s First managed revenue generating basement car park has recently been launched at the new multi-use development Masa Centre. The clean, secure, state of the art facility is managed by Interpark, an internationally experienced parking specialist with over 240 revenue generating operations across South Africa, Swaziland and now Botswana. Interpark Botswana, a subsidiary of Interpark South Africa, will manage the Masa Centre car park. During an exclusive guided tour, the Interpark Regional Manager, Romana Fouche, said the establishment of revenue generating parking will not only provide secure and convenient parking, but will also create revenue for the client (Masa Centre) to help recoup some of the cost for maintenance and building overall. Ms. Tebatso Lekalake, Interpark Botswana Director, also highlighted that they are working with the projected occupancy of about 130%. Both the Masa Centre upper and lower basement parking will use the state of the art automated “Central Pay” parking control system, which will reduce the unnecessary human interface. Demonstrating how the system works, the centre manager highlighted that: On arrival, the visitor will be prompted for a parking ticket by pressing a ticket request button and be presented with a magstripe ticket. The ticket will contain electronic data, including date and time of entry, and when exiting, the length stay, and this ticket will be used when paying at the Parking Control Room prior to exit. The tickets will be presented again to the machine on exit and collected for reconciliation. Tickets for long stay customers such as hotel customers will be able to keep their tickets till the end of their stay. Responding to how they will manage any possible high demand for their parking facilities, Ms. Fouche, said they have layered the basements so that the Hotel for example has a zoned area for exclusivity and short term visitors are accommodated on the upper level, while long term parkers are on the lower level. This would help manage the in and out flow of traffic. Both levels of parkers are able to easily utilise the central pay point at the Parking Control Room and are also fully monitored by a close circuit TV (CCTV) system. With generous headroom, clean painted walls, well lit and clear signage, the parking facility does provide a good welcome for someone arriving and leaving by car from this magnificent centre. The lobby to both levels of the car park will also be the lobby to the 5D cinema once it is complete. The launch of the Masa Centre, Interpark arrives at an opportune time while Gaborone City Council is currently putting final touches to the revised bylaws which will enable paid parking across the city’s public parking lots. The parking bylaws will also allow private landowners to develop privately owned parking. This was revealed by the City Mayor, Haskins Nkaigwa in an exclusive interview in our last edition.

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Buildings Page 7 Feature Advertorial

PLAIN TALK BY JOWA

The Game of Monopoly, Town Planning and Quest for Urban Design

by Jan Wareus, Architect / Town Planner

I’m not writing this against any ideas presented by fellow professionals in Boidus Focus. On the contrary, I’m very much in support of them. However, I have to caution that we must change the “playing board” or we cannot achieve much, unfortunately. In my previous writings, I have indicated that a future “less abundance” world will have serious implications for us as professionals. I have pointed out the rapidly escalating building costs - to a great degree due to import, transportation and lack of local production. Thus, there is a need for us to localize building materials production. Furthermore, we must (as the builder’s advisor) do what we can to reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings as well as maintenance costs (electricity for air-cons, lifts etc) and create a sustainable basis for the building industry for the future. So much for the future... But we have problems with what has already been built – it’s not up to any standard of value. Right - but I also indicated that we once had some kind of holistic standard that was destroyed! But let’s forget that and take some new steps and go for a “change”! I read complains about the lack of landmarks in our City. I think that this fact, a holistic incompleteness, is the real background for the “Design Forum 2012” and Boidus focussing on the “State of our Cities”. This is to me a good development and I read with great interest the words from the old doyen of architecture and urban planning and design – Mr L Mosienyane. As well as the words

Multi-Tech Consult (Pty) Ltd, a firm of Consulting Engineers and Project Managers, started operating in 1999 under Certificate of Incorporation No CO.99/3948 and is registered with Botswana Government Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (Former CTB – Ref:12/1/366) Civil Engineering Infrastructure planning, design and construction supervision of civil works including: • Road works (urban roads, rural roads and highways) • Pavement failure evaluation, Pavement design and Shoulder sealing design • Storm water drainage • Water reticulation • Sewerage reticulation and associated facilities • Water retaining structures i.e. water dams • Soil erosion protective works to river banks, road banks and electricity pylons • Sanitary land fill sites, • Bridges, site selection, site investigation, site survey, engineering planning, hydrological studies, hydraulic calculations, structural design, • Earth-dam, Rock-dam and associated appurtenances, • Irrigation schemes, • Airports, runways, taxiways, aprons, service roads marking signage, drainage and signalling, • Sports facilities including large capacity covered and open stadiums. Structural Engineering Design & Construction supervision of (among others) the following: • Housing scheme (Low and High cost) • Commercial and office buildings • Industrial warehouses • High rise structures • Timber and steel structures • Structures which are sensitive to shrinkage cracking or settlement cracking • Short and long span bridges and culverts Expertise in Ground Water Resource Surveys in Drought Prone Areas including: • Exploration and Design • Mapping • Supervision of water well drilling and construction

from his junior, Mr P Moalofi. They are so right about the need for urban design in our cities. The question is how to apply it in the existing web of bureaucratic standards, codes, land evaluations and regulations. It’s like sitting around a Monopoly board, playing a simplified game and asking for new rules that the other players doesn’t feel a need for. Dear colleagues, this metaphor of Monopoly is not a laughing matter. In 1974, more than 80 million games had been sold (translated to 27 languages). And many more since then, “upgraded” with skyscrapers and more easy ways of getting out of prison (and even credit cards). As a matter of fact, the game has been extensively used in university education of finance students. Easy enough for them to understand, I guess. It has definitely had a serious impact on town planning and totally void of design for beauty! A sad story, indeed. So, pardon me, we are all playing Monopoly! And the whole basis for modern town planning and urban design is this simplified rule of the game. Control an area, build houses, collect rentals, increase the value and build a hotel (and skyscrapers, today). It’s money and profit (and bankruptcy) and not wholeness and beauty that’s the name of the game. And a strong, sticking web has been developed around >>> CONTINUED PAGE 18

Multi-Tech consult provides professional services and advice in civil infrastructure including roads, water, wastewater and structural engineering. The firm also provides project management services right from feasibility studies to implementation stage through to training and initial project operation. SAN MARINA PROJECTS [Structural Work]

MPHABATHO RIVER BRIDGE [Civil Work]

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS [Civil Work]

NIIT UNIVERSITY [Structural Work]

Expert in Environment Impact Assessment including: • Bio-physical Impact studies • Socio-economic Impact studies • Archaeological Impact studies

YEM Graphics

Expertise in Hydropower Planning and Implementation • Tunnelling works including rock supports • Dam works, earth dam, concrete dams

Boidus Feature Page 8

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

“The first house we built cost P95,000 and today, you wouldn’t sell it for under a million” by Kibo Ngowi

business and that the properties that we develop are quality.” In 2007, they restructured the company again, taking the 13 investment properties they had at the time in order to create Primetime. Shortly thereafter, PrimeTime acquired Tati Company’s three prime commercial properties in Francistown: Nswazwi Mall, Barclays Plaza & Blue Jacket Square.

>>> FROM PAGE 01

However, long before Time Projects ventured into large scale commercial development, they developed houses for individual clients. Kelly and Clifford Ferreira – the company’s director of housing – brought with them a recipe, created by the Time Housing division of the holding company. The recipe was a package deal for low to medium cost housing that included the plot and a plan of how to develop it. The slogan they adopted was simply “Do you want to develop your plot?” and they were approached by many citizens who had been allocated plots in areas such as phase2 and phase4. “We would take them through a catalogue of houses that we had and help them find the one they could afford” says Kelly “Then we would take them through the process of getting a loan from the relevant financial institution. It was a step-by-step process through to the completion of the house.” The very first house they built, located in phase2, was completed in 1989 and still stands to this day. “That first house, we built at a cost of P95, 000 and today, you wouldn’t sell it for under a million” says Kelly. Time Projects carried that same recipe over into the first large scale housing project they developed, in Kgale View development.

In 1993, the holding company in South Africa went into liquidation and Time Projects Botswana became a subsidiary of a construction company, Concor Construction. Though they had ongoing projects, the company’s assets were stripped and put into the holding company’s liquidation. In spite of this, Kelly and his colleagues carried on and Time Projects soon completed their first commercial development, a shopping mall in Jwaneng. The mall, now called the Diamond Mall, was developed with a citizen partner and sold to Debswana Pension Fund, shortly after completion. Time Projects went on to develop many more commercial developments, including South Ring Mall, Ramotswa Mall, Mantlo House and Hillside Shopping Mall.

Primetime is a completely independent company that began with the same original shareholders as Time Projects and then was listed on the stock exchange with the original shareholders retaining 45% shares and selling off the rest by raising capital on the listing. Of the public offering, about 90% was reserved for institutional shareholders and about 10% was made available to the public. At the time, it was the biggest amount of money that had been raised in a public listing, P107 million, and it had the highest number of investors on a public listing, over 1300 in total. Primetime doesn’t have any employees. It just has a board of directors and it is run by two management contracts with Time Projects. One is an asset management contract and the other is a property management contract. The property contract deals with the issues related to the day-to-day running of property such as security, maintenance and negotiations with tenants. Meanwhile, the asset contract deals with the larger side of things, such as buying and selling property, major refurbishment, stock exchange issues and dealing with the shareholders.

In 2001, Concor decided to exit property development and investment so the opportunity came to do a management buyout which rendered Time Projects Botswana wholly owned by local senior management. “In 2001, we effectively had another asset strip because we had to restructure the company to pay out Concor, so we went back to zero net asset value.”

Primetime holds all the properties that originally belonged to Time Projects. Time Projects still continues as an operating company, on its own, independent of Primetime. Whenever there is an issue in which the two companies deal with each other, all the shareholders are told about it so as to make it totally transparent. Time Projects provides services for Primetime and sells proper-

units on a piece of land that had been allocated to the Botswana Teacher’s Union (BTU).

Time Projects acquired a piece of land in Kgale that was owned by the Roman Catholic Church. At the same time, they won a bid to build 400 houses for a permanent housing rental scheme by the then Department of Surveys and Lands, now known as the Ministry of Lands and Housing. “That project went like clockwork. There were no cost overruns and from the first house which was delivered within 9 months from raw bush to the last took us roughly two and a half years” says Kelly. “Unfortunately, Government hasn’t seen it right to repeat that formula but they would have to agree that it was one of the best projects they ever did, especially in these times where we repeatedly hear of massive time and cost overruns and poor quality.” Time Projects went on to build 140 units on land in block 6 that government opened for private developers and another 60

Kelly recalls that the management buyout left them in a precarious position in which they had no choice but to put up every bit of profit or spare capacity they had to borrow money in order to buy more land or get into joint ventures in which they would put up cash to develop more buildings. “Our position at that time was difficult but what it told us was that we clearly had a successful

ties to Primetime. It’s not an exclusive arrangement but there is an unwritten agreement that Time Projects will give Primetime first preference whenever they have something on offer. “Some people might say that this arrangement is too close but the shareholders like it that way” says Kelly. “Time Projects does a good job and Primetime has a good portfolio that is well managed.

Left Image: Bank Gaborone Headquarters; Centre Image: Nswazwi Mall, Francistown; Right Image: Prime Plaza, CBD, Gaborone

If you’re a shareholder, you’re gonna say that’s what I want. I don’t want to have my portfolio and some other guy somewhere is managing it for me.” Time Projects still does project management jobs and residential development completely separately from Primetime for any other outside clients or on any other piece of land it can find. Kelly notes that one component that has made Time Projects – along with Primetime – a formidable entity in Botswana’s property market is its diversified portfolio. The sheer number of investment properties Primetime holds, currently 19, most of which were built by Time Projects, means that they always have the cushion not to have to worry if they lose business in one of their commercial properties because any single loss accounts for only a minor loss in their overall portfolio. However, the key is to always produce a quality product. “We have built the majority of the properties we own and we are very confident of what we’ve done” says Kelly.

contractors and your consultants on the same plane” says Kelly “The responsibility should be equal between them.” Kelly is somewhat critical of the way some projects in Botswana are run by consultants based in South Africa. “The idea is that he checks the project once a fortnight and once a month, they have a site meeting and the engineer or architect is just expected to do what they’re supposed to do. But the first rule of project management is inspect, don’t expect” says Kelly “So you’re expecting everybody to do what they’re supposed to do, but we know that they don’t. Even when you work with the big contractors, you have to monitor them every step of the way and that’s our philosophy at Time Projects. We’re there. The guys who work with us go to their sites just about every day. There’s nothing that’s going to happen there without them knowing about it.” On the issue of quality of an investment, he also emphasises the location

“We use a full professional service. We pay fully for our projects. We run them cost effectively so there are very seldom cost overruns. We pay our professionals properly and we pay our contractors properly.”

Top Image: Kgale Development; Left Bottom: Kgale Medium Cost Housing; Right Bottom: Kgale Manor Housing

Kelly says that his people typically work with a set team, simply because it is important to choose the people for the job that you are confident can deliver. Plus, “we have a committed and dedicated team of professionals at Time who consider the company their own regardless of whether they are shareholders or not – we take pride in what we produce”. Kelly recalls situations in which a client insisted on a contractor he had never worked with before, only for him to have to battle to get the contractor to finish the project. However, he is open to working with other contractors when the time calls for it, as when they do project management work for outside clients. “The management philosophy we live by here is that, by-and-large, you put your

in which the property is built. “The quality of a property is also dependant on its location which is not necessarily the right town but also the right area of the town” says Kelly. “Gaborone is better than Francistown but if you want to diversify your portfolio, then the best place in Francistown is close to the best place in Gaborone. It is also dependant on the quality of the tenants, for example PrimeTime’s Ghanzi property has SPAR, Barclays, Ellerines & Topline – you don’t get much better than that, even if it’s as far away as Ghanzi.” Time Projects has many ongoing projects – including Prime Plaza in Gaborone’s Central Business District – that will see it retaining its position as a market leader through into the future.

BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds Diary | Tenders | Recruitment | Product Showcase | August 2012

WELCOME

DIARY/EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

BOIDUS FOCUS CLASSIFIEDS

TENDERS / JOBS

Property Investment Expo 2012 Fairgrounds, 23-26th August

As an annual event that covers all categories in the industry, the Expo will be among others characterized by Architectural Design Services, Banking, Savings and Investment services, Product Supplies, Building Contractors and Material supplies, Business and Industry support services, Property and Estate Management services, Property Finance, Insurance, Equity and Loan Services, Property and land developers, Electrical and lighting Design Supplies and many others.

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA INVITATION TO TENDER NUMBERS UBT 2012/2013 - 27

Africa Property Investment Summit 2012

Sandton Sun Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, SA 4-5th September This summit presents a professional platform for learning about African real estate investment and development. Following its success in 2011, the Summit returns with the support of more industry heavyweights and an agenda designed to draw the leading minds in the property arena.

TENDERS JOBS EVENTS

Landscape in Transition 2012 Cape Town, SA, 5-7th September

List/Find the latest Tender and Jobs In Construction Stay updated with current Industry Events and activities

Landscape architects will play a vital role in addressing the environmental and social challenges that face us, and their skills will be especially important on the developing continent of Africa.

Green Building Council Convention & Exhibition 2012 Cape Town, SA, 23-25th October

The annual convention provides an inspirational platform for world-class education, knowledge sharing and decision-maker networking around sustainability and the built environment.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

BOIDUS SHOWCASES

The University of Botswana invites tenders from those companies with established reputation in the field to undertake the following:1. CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING OR DEMOLISHING OF OLD BUILDINGS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA, GABORONE MAIN CAMPUS, UBT 2012/2013 – 27 The disciplines required for completeness in this tender include:  Electrical engineering,  Structural / Civil engineering, and  Quantity surveying

A mandatory site visit will be held at Block 129: on Thursday, 16th August 2012 at 10:00hrs SHARP. Any prospective bidder who fails to attend the site visit shall not be entitled for further consideration in this tender

Full details will be provided in the Tender Documents which must be obtained from the office of the Deputy Director, Business Services, Block 129, (Inside Maintenance Yard) Office No. 2 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Friday 10th August 2012. The University of Botswana reserves the right to award the whole tender to one bidder or split the tender amongst various bidders. The University of Botswana is not bound to accept the lowest tender or to assign any reasons for acceptance or rejection of any tender. Tender documents may be obtained against payment of a non-refundable documentation fee of P224.00 each (VAT inclusive), payable at Cashiers Office, Administration Block. Sealed Tender clearly marked with the tender title and number of the respective tender and must be addressed and hand delivered to: The Secretary, Tender Committee, University of Botswana, GABORONE, BOTSWANA, at Block 129 (in the Maintenance Yard). Tel: (00 267) 355-2086, Fax: (00 267) 390 1523 Bid submission deadline is 31st August 2012 at 1200 hrs.

PROPERTY / PHAKALANE GOLF ESTATE

Browse latest Hot selling properties List your property to reach your buyers

This well appointed home situated within the Phakalane Golf Estate has 4 Bedrooms, 2 ensuite and third bathroom. Patios upstairs and downstairs with views of the Golf Course. This property needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. For more details see inside.

PRODUCTS DIY

Pam Golding Properties See inside for more details.

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PRODUCT / WHIRLPOOL AIRCONDITIONERS Whirlpool room air conditioners have a stylish new design and thoughtful features that make them easy to use and a pleasure to own. The sleek, modern look with an easy-clean front panel can work with any décor. The display is designed to be easy-to-read with the largest digital display compared to leading brands.

BUSINESS LISTINGS

RECRUITMENT & JOBS

Now available at: Get Cool Air Conditioning & Refridgeration

List your business and get Boidus Recommendation

DIY / HOW TO PAINT STRIPES Cheaper than wallpaper and completely unique, painting bands of colour is a great, easy way to give your walls a bold new look. If you decide to paint stripes, this simple step by step guide will help you to get it right.

TO LIST YOUR T: +267 73805898 E: mail@boidus.co.bw www.boidus.co.bw

See inside for step by step guide.

For all your landscaping Garden designs & Maintenace Fountains Paving pathways and Patios Water features and Construction Irrigation Design Layout and instaltion Interior decorations and Plantsale Thatching pest control Fish tanks Wedding package decor

P O Box 150326 Tonota Botswana Talk of the Village Complex Cell +267 71480679 Email: swanscapes@yahoo.com

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BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds

Property | August 2012

SHOPPING DIY / TAKING FOR CHARGE YOUR HOME OF YOUR LOAN, OWN WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ASK YOUR BANK? Trying to buy your own home is a difficult and stressful process and one of the most important purchases you'll make in your lifetime. With so many different products on offer and different types of mortgage to understand, it's no wonder that getting the right mortgage can be a time consuming and lengthy task. In Botswana, where there are no professional regulated Mortgage Advisors, it is important then that when approaching financing institutions, you should have done your homework in order to get the best deal. Here is list of checklist processes you might want to go through to smoothen the process: Obtain All Important Cost Information In Botswana, Home Loans are available from several types of lenders, com-

mercial banks, parastatal institutions, and micro lenders. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you should contact several lenders to make sure you’re getting the best price. Be sure to get information about mortgages from several lenders. Know how much of a deposit you can afford, and find out all the costs involved in the loan. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Ask for information about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan so that you can compare the information. The following information is important to get from each lender and broker:

RATES •

Ask each lender for a list of its current mortgage interest rates and whether the rates being quoted are the lowest for that day or week.

•

Ask whether the rate is fixed or adjustable. Keep in mind that when interest rates for adjustablerate loans go up, generally so does the monthly payment. If the rate quoted is for an adjustable-rate loan, ask how your rate and loan payment will vary, including whether your loan payment will be reduced when rates go down. Ask about the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR). The APR takes into account not only the interest rate but also points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that you may be required to pay, expressed as a yearly rate.

•

FEES

A home loan often involves many fees, such as loan origination or underwriting fees, broker fees, and transaction, settlement, and closing costs. Every

lender or broker should be able to give you an estimate of its fees. Many of these fees are negotiable. Some fees are paid when you apply for a loan (such as application and appraisal fees), and others are paid at closing. In some cases, you can borrow the money needed to pay these fees, but doing so will increase your loan amount and total costs. "No cost" loans are sometimes available, but they usually involve higher rates. • Ask what each fee includes. Several items may be lumped into one fee. • Ask for an explanation of any fee you do not understand. Some common fees associated with a home loan closing are listed on the Mortgage Shopping Worksheet in this brochure. Deposit & Private Mortgage Insurance Some lenders require 20 percent of the home’s purchase price as a down

payment. However, many lenders now offer loans that require less than 20 deposit--sometimes as little as 5 percent on conventional loans. If a 20 percent down payment is not made, lenders usually require the home buyer to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in case the home buyer fails to pay. Ask about the lender’s requirements for a down payment, including what you need to do to verify that funds for your down payment are available. • Ask your lender about special programs it may offer. If PMI is required for your loan • Ask what the total cost of the insurance will be. • Ask how much your monthly payment will be when the PMI premium is Source: federalreserve.gov

TIPS ON MAXIMIZING YOUR PROPERTY VALUE - TAKE IT FROM THE EXPERTS Debra Albers

Kim Bekker

Pam Golding Properties

Seeff Properties Botswana

First impressions are very important; the property must look attractive and have “kerb” appeal.

Curb Appeal: First Impressions are very important. If the buyer doesn’t like the exterior, you will never get inside.

Landscaping: Existing property – make sure the garden is neat and tidy, plant lawn, tidy up, cut away “dead” plants and trees, remove rubble and clutter.

De-Personalise: Buyers can’t see personal artefacts; they want to imagine their own photos on the wall.

New Property – establish a garden, use a landscaper if necessary, it doesn’t have to be fancy, grass is a MUST.

De-Clutter: Pack up all the knickknacks, clean up the kitchen counters. Use this process as head start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

Interior Spaces: Existing property – the interior must look “fresh” and neat, it needs to create a space that people want to live in.

Go green: Inexpensive green paints liven up rooms. Place flowers in strategic places.

A coat of paint can do wonders – stick to neutral colours, do any necessary repairs like cornices that are pulling away from the walls, ceilings that need attention or painting, bathrooms and kitchens must be spotlessly clean, replace cracked floor tiles, varnish wooden window frames and doors, assess the state of the carpets etc.

Make Minor Repairs: Don’t over capitalize on major repairs unless absolutely necessary. A fresh coat of paint in neutral colours can make such a difference. Fix doors and drawers that don’t close properly, replace cracked floor/ counter tiles.

New property: Supervise builders and check that finishes are well done, clear away all building rubble, check that all utilities are working. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER CAPITILISE AND REPLACE VALUE WITH VALUE – seek an expert opinion when undertaking renovations.

Good & Clean & Fresh: Wash windows, pressure spray sidewalks and house exterior. Vacuum daily, dust, bleach dingy grout. Odours are a no-no, place small drops of vanilla essence on light bulbs. Oven must be clean and dust empty. Wash your dishes. Make sure your house is always neat.

NEVER “COVER” UP DEFECTS

Switch on: If the property is noticeably dark inside, switch

the lights on when showing. Lower wattage bulbs makes homes more appealing. Open curtains and windows for fresh air. Easy Access: Try and always make your home available for show. The more accessible your home the more showings. Disassociate Yourself with your home: The sale of your home is a business transaction not an emotional one. Buyers see no benefit in the intrinsic value you have created in your property. They are buying a property to make their own. Don’t look backwards-look towards the future and your new home. Remove/Replace Favourite Items: Built in appliances or fixtures you want to take with you must be removed. If the chandelier in the living room belonged to your great grand mother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, they won’t want it. Once you tell a buyer you they can’t have an item, they will covet it, which could break your deal. Every home shows better with less furniture too, so remove furniture that blocks or hamper you r walkways. Leave enough furniture is each room to showcase the room purpose. Garden Ground Rules: Mow the lawn and pack away the tools. Keep it tidy. Always make sure the pool is clean. Pets should be controlled and preferable penned up while property is being shown. Go out and relax: Potential buyers will fell like intruders and will have difficulty visualizing themselves in the house if you are at home. Trust your agent to sell your property.

PROPERTY LISTINGS MG Properties Physical Address: Unit 7, Lot 20695, Extension 34, Block 3 Industrial Postal Address: P.O. Box 2842, Gaborone

Agent Contacts ALFRED: 71817409 / RATANANG: 72971790 / MPHO: 71631685 Tel: (+267) 310 5497 Fax: (+267) 310 5498 Email: info@mgproperties.co.bw

Gaborone North / P1.6M

Block 6 / P2.8M

Block 8 / P4M

Phakalane Phase 3 / P1.8M

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge, guest toilet, double garage, fitted kitchen, sqs, fully walled, electric fenced. Plot size 1000m².

3 bedrooms, all en suite, guest toilet, lounge, dining, fitted kitchen, single garage, sqs. Plot size 1000m².

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, lounge, family room, guest toilet, guest room, study room, fitted kitchen, dining, pantry, scullery, double garage, 3 bedroom cottage at the back, walled, electric fence. Plot size 1000m²

3 bedrooms, master en suite, lounge, guest toilet, carport, fitted kitchen, sqs, garden, fully walled, electric fenced. Plot size 800m².

We also do valuations, property management and consultancy. www.mgproperties.co.bw

BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds Property Listings | August 2012

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

PROPERTY LISTINGS / FOR SALE

Ground Floor, Unit 13, Kgale Terrace Gaborone International Finance Park (Opposite Game City) Gaborone, Botswana Tel: (+267) 3911 890 Fax: (+267) 3911 891 A CLASSIC BEAUTY SOLE MANDATE This well appointed home situated within the Phakalane Golf Estate has 4 Bedrooms, 2 ensuite and third bathroom. Patios upstairs and downstairs with views of the Golf Course. This property needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. • 4 Bedrooms (2 En Suite) • 3 Bathrooms • 3 Reception Rooms • Stand Size: Approx 1442 m² • Building Size: Approx 650 m² • House Full Title • Parking: 2 Garage(s) • Additional Buildings: Staff Accommodation (1 Beds, 1 Baths)

Ground Floor, Unit 13, Kgale Terrace Gaborone International Finance Park (Opposite Game City) Gaborone, Botswana Tel: (+267) 3911 890 Fax: (+267) 3911 891

Phakalane Golf Estate / P6.9M

Mokolodi / P3.45M

A picture paints a thousand words………. This lovely home needs to be seen to be appreciated. Land size approximately 1442m2. Built up area approximately 650m2. DEBRA: 72306865

Have the best of both worlds, enjoy a “bush” lifestyle with the convenience of being approximately 10km from Game City. 3 Bedroom home with a separate self contained cottage. DEBRA: 72306865

Block 10 / P1.5M

Kang / P11M

Brand new home only 5 minutes walking distance from the Airport Junction Mall. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Pool. Easy access to Airport Road and all ammenties. CARLY: 72475737

Game farm measuring approx. 3550 hectares. 4 Thatch chalets all ensuite. Main house. Water hole. Staff compound. Fully fenced. Approximately 500 head of game. MARION: 72105074

Phakalane / P5.3M

Extension 9 / P6M

Life, space & style. This home offers an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of luxurious comfort. Set in beautiful gardens. Perfect for entertaining. Plot size approx. 1775m2. Built up area approx. 913m2. DEBRA: 72306865

Prime location - a stone’s throw from Northside School. 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms (2 en suite). Completely self contained one bedroom cottage. Properties in his area are often sought but seldom found. DEBRA: 72306865

Tlokweng / P6.4M

Gaborone North / P1.8M

Sixteen 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom apartments. Great investment buy. Fully tenanted. ABDUL-AZIZ: 72153135 MARION: 72105074

Charming home. Easy access to main road. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Pool. Walled. Established garden. Lovely finishes. ROWEENA: 72653233

PROPERTY LISTINGS / FOR SALE & RENT Knight Frank P.O. Box 655 183 Queens Road, Gaborone

Property Agent: TSHEPO Tel: (+267) 3953 950 Fax: (+267) 3951 480

Block 8 / P2.65M

Three bedrooms, open plan space (formal lounge, family lounge, dining and Kitchen), ensuite guest room, staff accommodation and swimming pool. Plot size: 1024sqm

Tlokweng / P7,500 monthly

Phakalane / P13,000 monthly

Broadhurst / P2.5M

Gaborone North / P1.05M

The house is on a large plot with a garden & swimming pool. The ground floor has the lounge, dining, bathroom, study & fitted kitchen. The upper floor has a living area, three bedrooms, two baths (master ensuite). Double garage, SQ, wall and electric fence.

Built on a 1000+ sqm plot the house opens into an entrance foyer. There is a lounge, open plan family room with a wooden bar area, dining and a fitted kitchen. Staff accommodation, double garage, established garden and swimming pool.

Extension 44. 4 Bedrooms, master en suite. Verandah and pool. Spacious open plan lounge and dining area. Plot size 1037m2. MARION: 72105074

Plot size approximately 1000m2. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Lots of potential due to the size of the plot. ROWEENA: 72653233

bw.knightfrank.com

www.pamgolding.co.za

BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds

DIY | Products | August 2012

DIY [DO-IT-YOURSELF]

PRODUCTS

HOW TO PAINT STRIPES

One: Prepare & Mark Out The Wall: Step Two: Painting & Finishing Mark out the stripes, using the measuring tape to divide the Paint the contrast colour. Use the second colour and small 1 Step 2 area into vertical bands of varying widths. Mark them with a roller to paint the stripes, working from top to bottom. pencil line, using the spirit level to check that they are straight.

Source: channel4.com

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Boidus Exclusive Page 13

Local Bank Mortgage Schemes Comparison Chart - Look for a great deal on your mortgage DISCLAIMER: Boidus Focus does not provide financial advice services. Information contained here is for comparison purposes only and its validity should be confirmed with respective financial instutions.

by Boidus Admin

>>> FROM PAGE 01 LENDER

SCHEME TYPE

ARP (Annual Percentage Rate)

MAXIMUM LOAN TO VALUE

YOUR NET INCOME MONTHLY REPAYMENT

LOAN DEPOSIT

REPAYMENT PERIOD

LOAN SECURITY

BANK CHARGES

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Barclays Bank

Barclays Home Loans Barclays Home Loans, purpose is for building, equity release, outright purchase, refinancing or take over

11% up to P999,999.00 then

90% on purchase

50% of the net income, can also take 70% of rental income into consideration where applicable. Joint income application available for married couples

anything not financed the customer would need to contribute as deposit

Min in 1 yr and Max is 25 yrs.

the property financed to be security required

1.12%, max is P7,207.40

Building Requirements Approved council plans Valuation of plans. Title deed Buying house Requirements Sale agreement from the seller Title deed Valuation of the house Re-mortgage Requirements Balance of mortgage Title deed Valuation of the house

P1mill and above is 10.5%

85% on refinancing and equity release, 80% on building

Contact T: +267 391 2129

BancABC

Contact T: +267 367 4300

Bank Gaborone

Contact T: +267 367 1500

First National Bank

Contact T: +267 390 0610

National Development Bank (NDB)

Palapye T: +267 492 0552 Francistown T: +267 241 6044 Maun T: +267 686 0316 Gaborone T: +267 395 2801

This is a secured loan which gives customers an opportunity to be a home owner. The loan is available for purposes of: Building Requirements, Buying house Requirements, Re-mortgage Requirements, Bridging loan facility Note: Barclays has preferred list professionals, check with your local branch HOME LOAN A loan offered to customers to purchase for residential purpose

Variable interest rates Lending rate and moves with the Lending rate.

100% of the Value of the property

RTI/ DSR is 40% of Net Free Cash Flow

0% of the purchase or building price

20 years (240 months)

the property financed to be security required

Quotation from three contractors Architects profile Soil analysis report Approved building plans including Building permit Bill of quantities Desktop Valuation Building contract Contractors all risk policy

Note: Minimum loan amount - P125, 000. The Loan term is selected by the customer (minimum repayment term being 7 years and maximum being 20 years). The monthly installment is deducted directly from the current account or by direct debit from another bank. Benefits • Variable interest rates • Flexible repayment periods • Option to re-mortgage your property MOSASANA HOMELOANS We offer competitive financing options to help you own the home that will suit your particular circumstances.

based around prime rate (11.00%pa) We price for risk ,each deal looked at in its own merit

90% of the Open Market Value or the Purchase Price

30% of your individual or joint gross monthly income

Min-10% open market value or purchase price or building costs

maximum 25 years

fixed property

Processing/Arrangement Fee on Approval: 0.53% of loan amount

Approved building plans and a building permit Three (3) signed building quotes Bill of quantities Soil analysis report Architect’s profile Contractor’s profile Waiver of builder’s lien Signed building agreement between the client and contractor House-owners and mortgage insurance cover is compulsory

1.12% of the loan amount granted. This is inclusive of vat and forms part of the Advertised Bank Tariff Guide.

Valuation Copy of title deed and offer to purchase Proof of income Identity Document Details of life assurance policy to be ceded to cover mortality risk Statement of assets and liabilities Three months’ bank statement if not an FNB customer

Vacant land Bank Gaborone also offers financing for the purchase of vacant land at 75% of the open market value or purchase, whichever is the lesser. • The minimum deposit required is 25% • Maximum repayment period is 60 months Contact: For more info please email us at homeloans@bankgaborone.co.bw HOME LOAN Residential Home Loan Refinance Further Loan Re-advance Commercial property, Tailor made Our Slogan of “How Can We help you”, speaks directly to our aim of offering solutions to your property finance needs/ requirements.

Variable To be confirmed with Bank

Up to 100% financing, subject to application review plus interview

40% of the client’s gross income.

Subject to review and discussion with respective client

Lending period is 20years or up to the age of 60years.

fixed property

Scheme Type (Mortgage type or name) Residential Home Loan for new acquisitions of property, existing building Residential Home Loan to assist the client to purchase land, thereafter also assist the client to develop the land/plot, namely referred to a Home Loan Development Loan Refinance, whereby a client would like to: Either Switch the mortgage loan from another bank to FNB To access the Value within their property and use the funds at disposal Further Loan – whereby a client has an existing Property Loan with us and would like to increase their loan. Re-advance – whereby a client has an existing Property loan with us and would like to access the funds they have repaid on the property loan. Pre-Paid Payment – whereby a client has been paying more than the stipulated monthly installment amount due and would like to access the pre-paid amount. We also finance commercial property, whether it is to purchase and/or develop land.. Our aim is that we offer tailor made property finance solutions to all entities that require finance assistance from ourselves. Contact: Send us an email to property@fnbbotswana.co.bw, Phone us on +267 390 0610 BONNO HOME LOAN NDB promotes home ownership for all citizens, and hence we have very exciting loans to cater for any project related to property or home ownership.

100 % Including Transfer Duties, Fees And Vat

Take home pay of P600 up to P1500 per month

0% of the purchase or building price

25 yrs Maximum ad loan must be settled before age 65

100 % Including Transfer Duties, Fees And Vat

Valuation Report by any of NDB’s preferred valuators. Approved plans for property construction/ development Bills of quantities for construction of properties in excess of P500, 000.00 For Construction Loans above P500, 000.00 the contractor to attach registration documents with PPADB (see website for more details)

Companies can be offered property purchase and property development for office space, Commerce and retail space, Industrial space and commercial residential space. A comprehensive business plan must be in place and a Business Property Loan can be applied for by any company.

Stanbic Bank

HOME LOANS Buying, building or improving your home by designing many different options which will make the process of house hunting and buying easier.

Contacts T: +267 361 8555 T: 0800 600 675

The loan amount can only be repaid when the property has been transferred into your name and the bank’s bond has been registered. In the case of construction, the borrower is required to collect a statement from Stanbic Bank and service the interest during the building period.

Bank of Baroda

HOME LOAN Target Group: Employees working with Govt./parasitals/ reputed organizations. Self Employed persons

Gaborone T: +267 318 8878

1% of the loan amount.

90% of the Open Market Value of the property, or of the purchase price

35% of your net income and / or other income (individual / joint)

minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price

maximum loan period is 20 years

10% deposit

Transfer duty Surveyor’s fees Architect’s fees Valuation fees Arrangement fees/bank charges (1% of loan amount + VAT) Bond and other legal fees (inclusive of VAT) House Protection Plan insurance premium (inclusive of VAT) House Loan Protection Plan insurance premium (inclusive of VAT)

botswanacustomercarecentre@stanbic.com From Prime plus 2 % to Prime rate

25 times of Gross monthly salary

Maximum180 months including moratorium

Margin: 25% on construction/ repair and renovation 30% on purchase of old dwelling unit and 35% on purchase of plot Purpose; o For construction /acquisition of new dwelling unit o For purchase of old dwelling unit not more than 5/7 years o For purchase of plot and construction of house thereon o For repair/ renovation

Mortgage of property

Processing charges-0.50% minP300, Documentation Charges P300. Legal charges actual

ormal property valuation Certified Copy of the Title Deed Letter of offer to purchase plot/property Proof of income Certified copy of Identity document Certified copies of work & residence Affordability statement - income and expenditure

Boidus Markets Page 14

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Property Market Sectors: What is HOT? and what is NOT SO HOT? by Boidus Admin

Botswana’s property market is headed for some uncertain times, especial towards periods of oversupply in certain areas but also continued undersupply in others. Our experts have over the year been helping us chart which property market sectors in general are HOTS and which areas are COLD.

See what industry experts have been saying through the year about these key market sectors: 1. Multi Residential 2. Industrial units 3. Hotel and Tourism sector 4. Commercial-Office Space 5. Commercial-Shopping Centres

We sat down with the Youthful Mr. Harold Matenge, the Home loan Manager at the ‘new bank in town-Bank ABC, to introspect on the performance of the CI on the past year 2011 and also look forward to the year 2012 ahead. The world economy has been in turmoil since 2008 and if things continue the way they are, fears are mounting in the developed world of a ‘double deep’ recession. In the mean while Botswana’s markets especially house sale market has been ever rising.

What is HOT? 1

Industrial Plots in high demand Sandy Kelly, Managing Director Time Projects

In a Boidus Focus exclusive Interview, Managing director of Prime Time and Time Projects, Sandy Kelly highlighted the high demand and shortage of industrial land for warehouse development. But he notes: ‘If you have a diversified portfolio, your diversifying the risk, which means loosing one anchor tenant in one development does not cripple your whole projects portfolio. For example, if you take the situation of game city, it is at risk with the arrival of Airport junction as most shops are a replication from the other. Therefore making sure that your portfolio is diverse is essential.

Multi-Residential, the big deal in 2012 Residential Property Market, Harold Matenge, Home loan Manager, BancABC

Asked about what would be the big thing in the housing market in 2012, he says multi residential developments are the next big thing. This he says is also supported by the sectional titles legislation which makes it easy for developers to sell their developments off plan. He says as a bank that offers property finance in these developments, they have noticed a high appetite for multiplexes and for flats. Asked if 2012 is the right year to invest in property Matenge responded by saying that Botswana is having up market demands for prime accommodation, DTC is moving to Botswana, there is going to be a need for high end quality accommodation, especially enclosed luxury developments. The relocation of high spenders into our market need to be met with the right supply.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSIFYING THE TOURISM PRODUCT

Ms Lily Rakorong, Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) According to Ms Lily Rakorong, public relations and marketing manager of Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), opportunities in Botswana’s Tourism sector are immense. ‘Our industry offers not alternative to wildlife based products. If visitors want to do something else apart safaris, what else can they do? In our cities, where are entertainment areas, nightclubs, theatres, cultural activities….the list is endless’ UNEXPLORED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT According to a report by The World Conservation Union, ‘A Guide to Starting a Tourism Enterprise in Botswana’, there is a long list of exciting, new and unique services and products to select from for the type of tourism-related business that are prime for investment: Extreme and Outdoor Activities Desert/bush survival courses, Fishing (commercial) camps, Houseboats, Camping equipment hire, Boat station, Film industry outfitter Eco Tourism Traditional cuisine - restaurants, cafes, food stalls/outlets, Traditional bars, Cultural centres, Dance and theatre groups, Traditional storytelling and games, Gathering veld products and tracking wildlife, Traditional music, Curio and craft factories, Curio and craft, outlets, Visits to traditional healers - medicine

What is NOT SO HOT? 1

Commercial Office Space DR. K. Jeffries

On commercial property, especially office and shopping complex developments, are we likely to see a saturation point of the market in Botswana soon?

Yes I think so, due mainly to major developments in the CBD and Fairgrounds, which will most likely lead to a period of oversupply Would you say 2012 is the right time to invest in property?

If you have cash and can take a long-term perspective, probably yes, or it might be good to wait until the market is really oversaturated and there are some bargains to be had (e.g. distressed sales). It may also be good for owner-occupiers. If you are borrowing for speculative property development (buy-to-let), and need to generate sufficient rental income to service a property loan, then I would say, beware, especially if there are no contracted tenants in the development.

Commercial Malls

Professor Roman Grynberg Is Gaborone being Malled to Death?

Now in the space of a year three new malls have opened up in Gaborone - Sebele, Airport Junction and Railpark. Those who believe we are not heading for structural over-supply of retail property in the city look back at the experience of a decade ago and say that the market can bare the expansion. The problem is that because businessmen are often not fully aware of what is happening in the market they become overly exuberant and make costly mistakes. Bankruptcy is the markets way of dealing with mistakes and there can be no doubt there will be some but it may not necessarily be the new malls but rather the ones who own and run properties in the older malls as more and more customers are attracted to the newer malls….

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Education Page 15

Architecture for Humanity: A Catalyst for Innovation by Elisa Engel (Architecture for Humanity Design Fellow)

8 11

Existing structure on site 8 New structure [part of the Football for Hope Centre]

New synthetic football pitch [part of the Football for Hope Centre]

Kitchen area [funding for shade structure to be secured]

Design Statement: The new Football for Hope Centre is located on the SEDYEA site, between the existing Youth Centre and the catering area, addressing both these spaces, and within close vicinity of the existing and the proposes football pitch. The approach to the new centre is via the existing landscape area around the Youth Centre. The L-shaped building forms a small arrival courtyard welcoming visitors and creating a sheltered social outdoor area. This courtyard is connected visually to the football pitches via the outdoor seminar room. The multi-purpose room, computer room and offices are all accessible directly off the courtyard via a covered circulation area. The outdoor seminar space is located facing both pitches to serve as a match planning area during practice sessions and a cover for the stage and spectator rest area during league days. Vertical shading to the outdoor seminar area ensures that this space is shaded and usable all day, including the late afternoons when much of the match planning takes place. The design proposes the use of materials that are long-lasting, robust, local where available and that create the most comfortable indoor environment possible. Walls are bagged and painted externally, creating a hard-wearing textured finish. In isolated areas, they will act as a form a canvas for local artists, tapping into the rich tradition of decorating buildings in Tswana culture. Local stone is used for external paving and for low walls that define external spaces and act as informal seating areas. Handmade bricks are used as contrasting paving in some areas. Floors internally are painted screed throughout, a robust finish that allows natural cooling from the ground into the building.

The proposed pitch ( an in-kind donation from Greenfields) is located to minimise the loss of existing trees and site clearance required. Due to the size of the pitch and the location of trees on the site, it was not possible to avoid loss of trees altogether, and unfortunately three existing trees will need to be removed, one of them mature. This will be offset by planting three new trees along the East of the building. In-kind donations will be sought to fund the planting of additional trees outside of this budget. The pitch is located alongside the existing football pitch, allowing for the 3m run-off required and for sufficient additional space to allow for benches to be located between the pitches (funded outside of this project). Sustainability Statement: The building orientation and roof overhangs are carefully designed to minimise heat gain during the summer months and to maximise heat gains during the winter months. The mono pitch roof and soffit creates tall spaces, further minimising overheating. The roof is made of IBR sheeting with a white Chromadeck finish to reflect heat and is insulated using recyclied paper insulation (supply and installation of the the insulation is an in-kind donation from Ecoinsulation). The roof is fitted with gutters and rainwater downpipes to facilitate rainwater harvesting and one of the rainwater downpipes will be connected to an existing water storage tank on the site. A solar power installation to support the engergy usage of the building and provide power backup during power cuts will be donated and installed by Yingli. Local clay bricks are used in the wall construction, they were selected for their low embodied energy and good thermal properties. South East Football for Hope Centre, Sponsors & Project Team:

SPONSORS FIFA / streetfootballworld / SEDYEA (South East District Youth Empowerment Association) / Adidas / Coca-Cola / Emirates / Hyundai / Sony / Visa / Yingli Solar / Greenfields / Architecture for Humanity / Eco-Insulation / CTM Gaborone / Sanitas Nurseries & Garden Centre / Gaborone Hoses And Fittings CONSULTANTS Mosienyane and Partners International (PTY) LTD, Architects, Town Planners, Urban Designers, Property Consultants Kille & Dannhauser, Chartered Quantity Surveyors NMA Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Consulting Engineers Nichris (Pty) Ltd a/t AG Georgiades, Consulting Engineer A. R. Edwards and Associates, Consulting Electrical And Mechanical Engineers PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR Rimu Enterprises

Floor Plan of New Structure

South Elevation

Section BB

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Computer room Centre managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office Plant room General office Multi-purpose space Store room Outdoor seminar space

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Covered external circulation Toilets (male) Toilets (disabled) Toilets (female) Showers (male) Showers (female) Changing room

Property / Financing Page 16

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012 Feature Advertorial

How to recession-proof your next investment property by Boidus Admin / Source: investmentpropertyexpert.com.au [Chris Gray is the CEO of Empire Property 1. Choose an investment property that’s attractive to tenants. It should be clean, have good-sized bedrooms, off-street parking, and good positioning away from noise and main roads. “You’ve got to buy something that suits the majority of tenants in that particular area. Factors such as these will ensure your property is attractive to renters and will guarantee your income stream.” 2. Choose an investment property that will grow in value. If the investment property is close to a major CBD, beaches, schools, public transport and leisure facilities it’s more likely to grow by more than the average in a good market and is more likely to hold it’s value in a down market. If you buy around the median price then more people can afford to rent it and more people can afford to buy it if you put into a forced sale position. 3. Buy blue chip. Cheap investment properties are cheap because they are not in great demand and there’s plenty to choose from. It’s often worth paying market value for a good investment property in a top suburb than it is to get a discount for something that no one else really

wants. Time in the market is more important than timing the market. 4. Create instant equity. Do some quick renovations such as a paint job, re-carpeting, tidying the garden, painting the fence, installing new curtains or blinds, and replacing the kitchen-cupboard doors. For every dollar you spend on renovating you should be aiming to get at least $1-2 back in the value of your property. 5. Refinance your investment property to create a buffer. When your investment property grows in value, refinance to create an emergency ‘buffer’ zone. This will ensure you can continue to make mortgage repayments even if you lose your job. Don’t find yourself in a forcedsale position as you won’t get the best price and it may trigger capital gains taxes and other expenses. 6. Re-sign your tenants. Hire a professional investment property manager to ensure you get reliable tenants and that they pay a good market rent. Consider tying your existing tenant down to a new 12-month agreement. This will help guarantee your rental income.

How About Property Investment? by Leano Joconia There are numerous investment paths in Botswana and we know that investing can be quite daunting. Owning real estate is a great investment, especially in a volatile marketplace. However, while real estate in general is a great investment, it is important that you choose the right investment property. Choosing the right investment property takes hard work and a fair amount of research, but if you choose wisely, your investment property will be much more valuable to you in the future. Why choose property investment? Botswana has a vast amount of unused land and the property market is growing. With this Botswana remains a good property investment area. Choosing an investment property is more than choosing a home to live in. It is a financial decision based on a number of key criteria. With property investment you will have the power of “Leverage” as you have a choice to finance the property you want to invest in or choose a financier to help you acquire this property. But remember that financing property from your pocket might just dent your cash flow. Investing in property is not like investing in the stock market where prices in one day can go down and up quite significantly. Only in certain situations where the economy was bad, property investments may be affected slightly.

Developing your Winning Property Portfolio, Sandy Kelly, Managing Director, Time Projects 1. DIVERSITY OF PROPERTY (HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL, HOTEL, COMMERCIAL) / Ensuring that you portfolio is diverse across sectors such that a loss of tenant in one project leaves you safe in others.

Property investment offers a combination of rental income and capital gains. Investing in property is not only going to give us a positive cash flow but also the potential capital gains. If you have a property, you have full control of how you will increase the value of the property. There are many ways that can be done to increase the value of property, ranging from very simple things like painting the property. Unlike a savings or deposits where interest is given is usually much lower than the rate of inflation, property prices usually follow at least the inflation rate. In this case, investing in property is still a better option to protect them from inflation.

2. QUALITY OF PROJECT LOCATION / Location is not just about place difference but also sighting within a certain place. For example a good location in Francistown might still have high returns in comparison to the high earning place in Gabs 3. QUALITY OF BUILT OF PROJECT / High quality built projects has good returns in the long run. Therefore cutting corners now will hurt your returns in future. 4. QUALITY OF TEAM OF CONSULTANTS / Well paid team of good consultants with a track record are key to good project. This also means selecting the contractors and project management at the beginning.

YEM Graphics

How do you choose an investment property? There is a lot to consider when choosing the type of property to invest in. If investing in more than one property it is highly advisable to buy across different areas/locations. This can spread the risk of your chosen area not performing as well as you hoped. If you are only investing in one property and for the first time then go with what you know. Choose an area that you are familiar with, preferably one that you have lived in so that you know the desirable spots and the available amenities. If you are looking to invest in an area you are not familiar with then you will need to do some research into things like population growth and nearby industry. Equally important to consider are age of population, average wealth of population, new housing going in the area and employment levels. Also determining whether or not the property will bring in a positive monthly cash flow for you is one of the most important factors. You do not want to be stuck with property that does not give you any returns but rather eating from your pocket. How do you acquire an investment property? Once you’ve found the right property, the actual mechanics of buying it will be the same as if you were buying a home to live in. We at Bank Gaborone have developed the right investment product for you. The Mosasana Home Loan as we call it is just what you need to make your dreams become reality with regard to acquiring that piece of land and having to call it your own. We understand that it is not easy to finance property with your savings. So make the right choice today. Choose wealth. Choose property investment. Choose Bank Gaborone for finance.

Contact Bank Gaborone on: Email: homeloans@bankgaborone.co.bw Tel: +267 390 11 33 / +267 367 15 07 Customer Service: +267 713 333 00

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Comments Page 17

EDITOR'S NOTE

Government could do more to ensure Private sector investment flourish by H. Killion Mokwete, RIBA Chartered Architect

In the UK, the ruling conservative government is increasingly coming under pressure from even with its government to relax the austerity measures and inject investment in the country’s ailing infrastructure. In fact the whole of the Euro zone, while battling acute symptoms of economic stagnation is looking towards infrastructure investment to boost their respective economies and possibly come out of the recession ready with infrastructure to produce and trade. In Botswana, the Government is still hard pressed on the freezing of infrastructure developments, which is a bitter pill of austerity to swallow for our previously government dependant private sector. For the built environment, the freeze might prove to have been too cold to bear. It is therefore very encouraging that companies and firms will brave the tough times and spend money to come out and exhibit their products for hope of opportunities and investment. The second edition of Property and investment 2012 comes just at the opportune time for private sector to pick itself up and prepare for the long haul. It is high time though that Government come to the aid of private sector investing in the building environment one way or the other. The industry has hobbled on for three years with no relief in sight and it would be brutal for this to continue into another financial year. Government has to at least play its part in providing a conducive climate for private sector to sustain itself.

Boidus Team

For example the private sector has invested heavily in the CBD and yet even with this large investments government is not playing its part in proving street lighting, improving access and security, an element critical to ensuring that CBD can begin to realize its returns. Government although has for the past two years set aside a maintenance budget has largely failed to implement the so called maintenance budget. When used, the 1.84 billion unnamed by Matambo on the budget speech could go a long way in sustaining the local industry. Large/mega projects are still largely a cash cow for foreign companies with local firms reduced to morsels of the pie. While other governments are looking to infrastructure development to bost their economies, ours should not be left wanting.

EDITOR H. Killion Mokwete DESIGN Bridget T. MacKean JOURNALISM Keeletsang P. Dipheko Kibo Ngowi SALES Tshiamo Kabomo DISTRIBUTION Nako Kabomo GUEST COLUMNIST Jan Wareus Othata Batsetswe GUEST FEATURE Sandy Kelly

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Comments & Letters Lobatse– A Town of Oddities and Contrasts

Ruth Muller: What a fascinating set of posts and comments on Lobatse’s history! I wonder if anyone has any photos of the ‘safe house/houses’ that aNC refugees used to use in the 1960s? I’m working on an exhibition that the Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg) is putting together on the life of OR Tambo. Thank you. Sandy Grant: Hallo Ruth,wonderful that you ask! I wish that you would more directly challenge the authorities, local and central, to come up with an answer to your question. Neither, to date, have shown interest in such matters. Strange isn’t it! But I do wish for direct contact with you – so many remarkable stories and achievements in Lobatse, often painful, are today left unexplored and unrelated. But why?

Discussion: Is Gaborone Being Malled to Death?

Dineo John-Mosarwa: definitely malled to death...there seems to be a misunderstanding that malls are the only means of day entertainment...what about amusement parks, entertainment arenas, garden parks, game parks..we’d also like to have bowling alleys and ice rinks and serious skate parks...cycling...all those to enhance a sense of exercise and daytime entertainment as a lifestyle... Mosetsana Kedidimetse : Yes. they should Come and build a mall in maun. why should Gaborone have all the malls. why should I travel more than 5ookm when I need a camera or TV

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MIST will launch RSTI (Research, Science, Technology and Innovation) Policy Megan Kelosiwang: the policy is coming a bit late to stop the downgrading of organizations like RIPCO and BOTEC. A policy too late to decide whether we really should be spending hundreds of millions on the Innovation Hub for the private sector but nothing on research for the public good. Feels like a justification rather than a policy. I remain an eternal optimist so lets see what they have for us! Goabamang Moabi Lethugile: wats the policy gonna do that the rest of all policies on ict,technology from other ministries .sum strory just circulating with nothing 2 show. Boidus Botswana: yes our problems are legendary when it comes to churning out policies that are never implemented and no one get responsible. But the question should what can we do to hold these ministries accountable? When the launch these things they do so in a media funfare but there is never any explanation when things do happen. Goabamang Moabi Lethugile: 1 thing i have realisd is that sum ministries that are supposed to be working together are far apart and u just c it when u review programes introducd from dis policies.FOR me the grassroot should b reviewing programes that result 4rm this policies.sum need collaborbtions. DISCLAIMER: Please note that the views expressed in 'Comments and Letters' are neither those of Boidus, its management, nor its advertisers.

Professional Practice Page 18

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

Keep an eye out for these The Game of Monopoly, Town Plan- Bye-Laws ning and Quest for Urban Design PLAIN TALK BY JOWA

by Keeletsang P. Dipheko

by Jan Wareus, Architect / Town Planner

Parking and Traffic Congestion

>>> FROM PAGE 07

this rather lately created concept – that’s what has to be moderated so we have a chance of discussing wholeness, landmarks and beauty!

“The traffic scenario is also compounded by the fact that, in this day and age, our city still does not have a parking regulation policy. We probably again are the only capital city that has a free-for-all parking. The City Centre parking lots for example are completely inaccessible for most part of the day. I trust that this being the most critical and easiest to solve, you will make it your first Mayoral task in office,” this was an open letter to the new Gaborone City Council (GCC) Mayor Haskins Nkaigwa.

The web is not “www”! It consists of codes, standards and acts that have been created here. And everybody that has read the Terms of Reference for a planning project knows what I’m talking about – Development Control Code, Urban Development Standards etc. Pre-school regulations for playschool kids – embarrassing - why do we accept it? Funny enough, I have noticed that the strangulating web doesn’t even go very well with urban estate theory and bank lending policies. Maybe, we can walk on toes and hold hands with them for a “change”.

Meanwhile car parking is one of the major challenges in the city as new buildings continue to increase thus vehicles; however finding an open space in a crowded parking lot at the mall can be a daunting task since there are no parking regulation policy or never designing and installing parking systems. On the other hand parking lots are a feature of every city and suburban area of any country.

To wind this up and showing the incompatibility of existing rules/regulations and the basic design concept for an urban renewal project, I’m about to present “A New Theory of Urban Design” by Christopher Alexander (CA) et cons. It is from 1978 so “new” must be taken with a pinch of salt. But, I have learnt much from this student project – by the way, Boidus, why don’t we make the ext.2 renewal a student project, for a start? With no restrictions but to beauty and make wholeness! And the CA book a compulsory reading?

Ever since his obligation, Haskins Nkayingwa seems adamant that Gaborone needs to rely more on the private sector to finance its development needs that it has done in the past. He laments that the bulk of GCC financial support come from the central government and that the money the council generates from initiatives such as licensing fees account for less that a quarter for their annual budget. “When I took over the Gaborone leadership in October last year, I made it categorically clear that I would be pursuing a private sector centered development for Gaborone” said Nkaigwa

To understand CA right, he has for many years been trying to be explicit about the implicit in architecture and urban design in the past. An enormous undertaking and the results are impressing. His books “A Pattern Language” and “The Nature of Order” must be read by us in the field. As well as students aiming for the field!

Nkaigwa sees private sector partnerships as the key to making the best use of the land that the GCC owns and generating a sustainable source of financing for ongoing and future development projects. He says that the council is in the process to introduce bylaws that will allow them to start developing and acquiring commercial property in order to kill the two birds of providing more housing and generating financing for council projects with one stone.

What was forcing the old masters to comply with the wholeness of the town? What explains the “secrets” our modern masters had? They were ”spiritual” and tonguetight because, I think, the metaphysical character, artistic approach (contrary to positivistic and modern science). But essential to know for us field-workers in the guild. We must honor him! His book “A New Theory of Urban Design” (1978) is now a collector’s item. As I told you, it is about an academic project, cleaning an area of fixed plot lines, zoning, urban administration, financing and economics. Not astonishingly, the result was an old fashioned, somewhat Mediterranean coastal city, centuries old. Teaching us a lesson, indeed. See the City they built in a 1:25 model [Top image, on right]. We are victims of “modern” regulations and codes! And the pure “urban design” cannot work without changing the DTRP rules!! As the Boidus interviews in last issue are indicating implicitly, we have to realize that our present institutions are at odds with a consistent urban renewal process. And drastically so – present-day methods, conceptions and

Finally paying for parking has become pretty much inevitable issue in most urban locations, however if Nkaigwa’s longing to involve the private sector for financing the development, this would be an immense investment opportunity for private sector to endeavor whereas people will be paying for parking which is an advantage to generate income and monitor cars especially in the commercial industry.

Multiple Burial

procedures are incompatible with the desire for wholeness, to use the words of CA. That’s our problem, folks! We have a “climate” full of defects – we call them problems as they require corrections so we can create a well functioning and good looking society. And the problems are inbuilt in the existing planning process. Remember the following words by Herman Daly: The more we have of permanent rules, the less able we are to make necessary adjustments and meet changing conditions. We must come up with an alternative planning process!

Concerns about shortage of land in Botswana are getting pronounced every day. Consequently, several suggestions have been made about how deal with land scarcity in the country. The Gaborone City Council Mayor Haskins Nkaigwa said they are crafting another set of bylaws to help tackle the problem of land shortage. Of recent the Mayor raised a point that caused much debate of people burying multiple people in a single grave. “We want to introduce a bylaw which will allow people to bury multiple people in one grave. It will not be forced” says Nkaigwa “It will just give people the option do so if they so wish because the current law doesn’t allow that.” Nkaigwa notes that there has been some confusion in that many people have been led to believe that this will become mandatory policy but the reality is that people will still have the freedom to bury their dead however they want. The only thing that’s changing is that the law will allow them to bury more than one person in a grave, if they wish which the law did not allow them to do previously. The GCC is also looking to allow cremation and private ownership of cemeteries. In most villages across Botswana, vast hectares of land are reserved for cemeteries, and in most cases, the cemeteries are located on the land that is earmarked for the expanding villages.

Government has legalised the operation of domestic guest houses For a house to qualify as a domestic guest house, it should have a minimum of two bedrooms and a maximum of five bedrooms. A visitor stays in a homely environment, with the owner of the house. However children are not allowed to live in the same house. Other requirements for running a business were needed with the exception of change of land use. Each accommodation facility had its own market, that is, hotels, guest houses and fully serviced apartments have varying customers. The choice of a facility to be used by a client is usually based on their purpose of stay and their budget as well. Some travellers choose facilities that would make them as close to the local people as possible where one would want to have a feeling that they are home

BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012

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BOIDUS FOCUS Thursday 23 August, 2012