OIDUS FOCUS Registered at GPO as a Newspaper
BOTSWANA’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT NEWSPAPER | Vol 4, Issue 3 | APRIL 2014 www.boidus.co.bw
Birth” public Art Room 02 “Repressed 07 The art installation enhances [by Sophie Lalonde, Sophie architectural heritage
Lalonde Art]
Expert North of the Border: 11 Lifestylenoted: 18 Building Home Owner...Rethink your A guide for building outside space! [by Keshia Mogopa]
Botswana [by Euan Massey]
P8.00 (Including VAT) BOIDUS FEATURE >
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
IN SEARCH OF A LASTING LEGACY-MIST UNDER HON. JOHNNIE SWARTZ
by Keeletsang P. Dipheko / HK Mokwete
Award winning Affordable housing project, “The Guts” in New Islington, East Manchester, by Mansell
Is Property Ownership an Investment or an Illusion? Challenging the conventional thinking on Affordable Housing by Othata Batsetswe / Financial Inclusion Specialist & Project Coordinator / Principal Finance Administrator Of late there has been public debate about affordable housing with several newspapers running with the idea of housing purchases, all inspired
by the local housing corporation and this suddenly fashionable concept was made even more exciting by the argument that those purchasing houses >>> CONTINUED PAGE 05
William Shakespeare once said “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” For Hon. Johnnie Swartz, the man at the forefront of a ministry that has been faced with myriad challenges, trials and tribulations, his quest to leave a lasting legacy at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science & Technology seems impossible. The ministry he has headed for the past four years has seen its darkest days, and there may yet be more to come. Who can forget the numerous projects lying incomplete across the country, cordoned off or pitifully falling apart brick by brick only a few years after
BOIDUS
MEDIA PLATFORMS Boidus (Pty) Ltd. P. O. Box 50097, Gaborone Plot 2930, Ext.10, Gaborone
t +267 73805898 e mail@boidus.co.bw
being officially opened to fanfare?
for his honesty, openness and readiness to admit mistakes, something unheard of for most of our political leaders. Swartz is notorious for memorable candid moments such as his repeated admissions that some in his ministry were colluding with contractors to defraud government of millions. It therefore seems that if there is anything to remember him by, it is his honesty, which makes for a distinct and potentially game changing legacy by our industry standards.
The Dibete Police Station was classified uninhabitable within three years of completion. The National Stadium, although now open, took three years to renovate when initial projections had put the project at under a year while the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is still cordoned off and late last year the roof was blown off by mild strength winds before it was even complete. So to hope for a lasting legacy or to even be remembered positively under these trying conditions seems a tall order even for a Minister known
Johnnie Swartz came into the Ministry to discover a building on fire that he has been trying to put out ever since >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04
> PRINT MEDIA [contact Boidus Sales for rate card] OIDUS FOCUS
OIDUS FOCUS
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper | Volume 3, Issue #2
Botswana’s Architecture design & Urban Landscape Newspaper | M A R C H 2 0 1 3 www.boidus.co.bw
NEWS | page 02
BUILDINGS | page 06
A Luta Continua on the Land Question Airport Roof Gone with the Wind
The Idea of Eco Cities: Need for harmony between policy and green initiatives
HOUSING | page 16
PRACTICE | pages 14, 18
Buy or Build a new Home: The Pros and Cons
Disentangling the Web – A Look at Infrastructure Project Management
NEWS | page 02
EDITORIAL | page 06
Regional News Feature - SA Property 3rd on Earth
Sustainability Today David Lessolle on Climate Change
EDUCATION | pages 15
PROF PRACTICE | page 16
How to Start Your Own Architecture Firm: 12 Tips From The Experts
The Role of Architecture In Humanity’s Story
Meet Botswana’s Young and Rising Star Architects
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
NEWS | page 02
EDITORIAL | page 04
Letlole Larona Breaks Ground at the Kromberg and Schubert Botswana (Pty) Plant
Government to Promote Introduction of Residential Development into the CBD
SUSTAINABILITY | page 06
EDUCATION | pages 15
How ready is Botswana for the Inevitable Change towards Global Decarbonisation targets?
Guide to School Programmes: 2013 Built Environment Careers Guide
P8.00 (Including VAT) BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE FEATURE >
Event Feature: State of our CitiesCBD Executive Seminar Event
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
Bringing together key CBD stakeholders such as landowners and developers to engage on issues that affect their developments and investment
Vincent Moapare, founder of Architects Collaborative; Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame, founder of Architects International; Moemedi Gabana, founder of Gabana Architects; Gorata Bontle Kgafela, founder of GBR Architects
“Public Piazza, Mixed Use Podium and Sky gardens coming to Gaborone”
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper | J U N E 2 0 1 3 www.boidus.co.bw
P8.00 (Including VAT) BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE FEATURE >
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper | Volume 3, Issue #4
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper | J U L Y 2 0 1 3 www.boidus.co.bw
P8.00 (Including VAT) BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE FEATURE >
BDC FAIRSCAPE PRECINCT, The Realm of Splendor - Live, Work & Play With Breath taking Views
by Kibo Ngowi & HK Mokwete
by Kibo Ngowi & HK Mokwete
by Kibo Ngowi & HK Mokwete
Guide to developing your multi-residential investment
FNB’s CBD HQ – Intelligent Corporate Architecture First National Bank (FNB) has moved into its newly built headquarters in Gaborone’s rapidly developing Central Business District (CBD). Located in plot 54362, the Head Office called First Place, boasts the banks’ “one-stopshop” capability. With an expansion of
Red East Construction: Award Winning Chinese Contractor
Demand is good, rentals are good and finance available. So here is how to develop. Q&A- Financier: We finance up
H. Killion Mokwete
by Kibo Ngowi
Investing in multi-residential development is becoming the next big thing in Botswana’s residential property market. Landowners and homeowners are realising that the bulk residential demand is in the middle-income bracket of earners, with income between P5, 000 - P15, 000 per month.
the office facilities accommodating all the Bank’s divisions such as Electronic Banking, Private Banking, Property Finance, WesBank, Firstcard to mention but a few, customers get a full bouquet of FNBB products under one roof. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 07
to 80% of the open market value, this depends on the valuation report contents and the location of the property. The deposit requirement is 20%.
by Kibo Ngowi / H. Killion Mokwete Boidus Focus sat down with the Managing Director of Red East Construction, a Subsidiary of the Zhengtai Group Mr Zhu Dexiang to try and understand what has set this Chinese construction
Q&A-Realtor: Demand is good for rentals with range of P2500pm to P4500pm for 2-beds units. Two beds units in areas like Ext. 5 or 11, Block 8, G west Phase 1 can go for as much as P6500pm (not furnished).
company apart from its counterparts and defied the perception of poor construction workmanship as a uniquely Chinese problem. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 07
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 07, 18
Birds-eye view
From top left, going clockwise: Moemedi Gabana [Gabana Architects], Gorata Bontle Kgafela [GBK Architects], Vincent Moapare [Architects Collaborative], Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame [Architects International]
Office of the President
Public Piazza
With stakes high in Botswana office market, Botswana Development Corporation’s Fairscape Precinct is set to raise the bar of what quality office space is by delivering an Agrade mixed use development which will see work, play and live become
reality in one area. The Iconic tower which has been slowly emerging off the skyline of Fairgrounds is setting unmissable view of a gleaming honey comb lattice structure with unparalleled
views from across the City. Boidus was recently given exclusive tour of the construction site to experience first hand this exciting project as it becomes reality. >>> CONTINUED PAGES 08, 13
The Relocation of the Office of The President Is it the Right Move Or Not? by HK Mokwete
The current debate in parliament over a budget allocation request of P195 million for the purposes of augmenting funds to either- acquire or build a new office block to house the Office of
the President (OP) is missing the bigger picture of what should be debated when procuring the office space for the ‘Highest Office in the Land.’ >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04
Bold, New, Fresh Design Ideas
Reviewing the best UB Graduating student 2013: Ndaboka Mothobi
by Kibo Ngowi
Top Left: Vincent Moapare, Top Right: Moemedi Gabana, Bottom Right: Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame, Bottom Left: Gorata Bontle Kgafela
Botswana’s architecture profession has come of age since the first qualified Motswana architect returned home in the early 1980s. The second generation of qualified architects, who were all trained abroad in Canada, USA and
UK is slowly taking shape and making its presence felt in the local scene. These architects, confident and ready to raise the game, have started their own design firms and are slowly making landmarks across the Botswana
built environment landscape. Boidus Focus sat with some of these rising star architects to find out what drives their design philosophies and to showcase designs from their firms. >>> CONTINUED PAGES 04, 08, 13
Ndaboka Mothobi’s final year thesis project was not only graded the best, but it presents a breath of fresh air to the creativity that defines the best of what architects can do. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE once described architecture as ‘frozen music’ and for those who share this icon’s view of architecture as an artform, Ndabo-
ka’s shattered rock layered building is a perfect example. Often the best time for unfettered creativity is when there are less and less barriers to imagination and school project design provides a haven for this. Boidus Focus sat down with the talented ‘Ndaks’ to discuss his exciting fresh thinking to architecture. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 14
Government to Promote Introduction of Residential Development into the CBD
Top: Guests and delegates at the CBD Event Bottom: Architect and Urban Designer Jo Noero from Noero Architects and University of Cape Town Right: Hon. Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Keletso J. Rakhudu, officially opening the event
The Boidus Media, State of our CitiesCBD Executive Seminar recently held at Masa Centre was by any measure a resounding success. The Seminar event brought together for the first time ever in Botswana, key stakeholders of the New CBD development such as investors, development owners, government, industry champions
and the public in sharing of ideas and opportunities about our upcoming CBD. Envisaged as the future heart of Gaborone City, the CBD is slowly taking shape and the seminar sought to make it a centre stage focus of discussions and professional deliberations. In this Boidus Focus Special, find event abstracts:
As you reflect on the ‘challenges and opportunities’ of developing a CBD, I would like to encourage all of you to think of this as what our generation will be remembered for having done, not only for this City, but for the nation, albeit through the toughest times. Assistant Min. of Trade & Industry, Hon. Keletso J. Rakhudu
Extract Seminar Paper Presentation by Jobe Ofetotse, DTRP
by Boidus Admin
A Successful CBD represents among other things; • A success CBD Image of the city and the country • Generation of the country’s prosperity • Successful partnership between the Government & PVT sector Dimitri Kokinos: Portfolio Structuring Manager (Stanlib)
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 08, 13, 18
FIND CREATIVE
Introduction Thank you to the organizers for inviting DTRP to contribute to this important and highly topical seminar. In organizing it, BOIDUS have directly responded to our concern that it is easy to be critical and identify perceived
TO COMMERCIAL
ANSWERS QUESTIONS.
IDEAS EXPO BOTSWANA is an event designed to combine the best of creativity, business and technology in which participants are invited to give talks, do demonstrations, and show their work. Renowned experts in branding, business and marketing.
Interactive session for learning and networks.
Exhibition with the latest innovation.
Certification of attendance.
Latest trends and technology.
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%.
Shopping for Mortgage that works for you-What to ask by Boidus Admin
> 2014 CALENDAR EVENTS
OIDUS FOCUS
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper | Volume 3, Issue #5
STATE YOUR MORTGAGE GOAL
failings of the CBD concept but more challenging to come up with solutions where problems have been identified. That is what we hope the seminar will concentrate upon. From a DTRP standpoint, the forum >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04
Boidus Roadshow 2014
CBD Executive Seminar May 2014
Property Breakfast Seminar September 2014
P500
(FOR BOTH DAYS)
June 21-22
University of Botswana
P300
student price for both days
*PRICE PER DAY FOR INDIVIDUALS OR PAY P500 FOR BOTH DAYS. FOR INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE TICKETS CONTACT +267 72 49 51 71
[For bookings call Killion on 75505291]
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 13
> WEBSITE & SOCIAL NETWORKING Visit us on our website:
www.boidus.co.bw Find us on:
Local News Page 2
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Bashi Gaetsaloe Appointed PressManaging Release Director BDC New Managing Director by Boidus Admin
Botswana Development Corporation nies across the banking, telecommunications, insurance, manufacturing and mining industries.
During his previous employment at Accenture, Bashi was responsible for developing local competitive strategies based on the overall global direction and policy of the firm. He has held leadership roles in South Africa where he was appointed Head of Management Consulting for the Public Sector serving both national and provincial clients. He also worked as part of a wider geographic team reporting to Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Bashi itself Gaetsaloe As it Mr. re-positions as the premier where he has developed strong interbusiness and development financier in national networks and business relaCountry Managing invaluable understanding of Business pleased to announce poration (BDC) Limited Inishis capacity 2002. Inas2002, she joined the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development ppointment Mr. Nicola the factorsandthat Botswana and the tionships. ntment of Ms of Montle Agency inregion, a leadership capacity head of and the Research Director atthe Accenture, he Botswawas in asBotswana to the(GM)responsible ’sGaetsaloe General Manager Strategic Department. She has business held various leadership ensure success across for Linkages developing local(BDC) Development Corporation on om 1stofMay Managing 2013.na As GM - positions within Botswana Development Investment various sectors. Inand particular he has competitive strategies based on theExport o deputizes BDC’s has Managing (BEDIA). She joined organization start the experience workappointed Bashi and Gaetsaloe Bashiin 2003 has specific demonstrated the to competencies overall Authority globalMr. direction policy theto the Corporation’s Executive/ Research Department, a position she held for four years. In 2007, requireding to transform and grow both of the fi rm. He has held leadership the position of Managing Director. across various Ms Phuthego is tasked she moved to the BEDIA London office where she developed sectors covering erolejoins BDC from private andand public enterprises. roles inand South Africa where he was investment uiding thewhere corporation implemented successful export promotion tswana he wasin terms business strategy, organizational HeadforoftheManagement veloping and implementingappointed a strategies European Union, Russia and Israel. Managing Director. Bashi is transformation, a respected businessbusiness leader Consulting for the BDC Public from Sector Acodel that would ensure Mr early Gaetsaloe joins startups and eld CEO and brings BDC a wealth ties, Director growth of/ the company her national researchand capacity, Ms Phuthego hastocompleted several of servingInboth provincial centure Botswana where he was the business turn-around, change manoration, its subsidiaries and on the viability of and a the expertise transport and growing responsibility knowledge which clients. studies, Bashi alsoincluding worked aasstudy part of e. will oversee logistics hub, raw material and viability of thefinancial glass will benefi t the Corporation as it management. Country Managing Director. As aassessment busiagement, and or Ms thePhuthego past 18 years a wider geographic team reporting nd Research, Agribusiness, industry, performance and futurere-positions scope for theitself textile asand theapparel premier into Europe East and Director of HRMC ness leader he isMiddle expected toAfrica bring to on beef Through experiences, Bashi has ment, Industry, and Invoice sector, viability of call centres, a study and beefthese by-products business and development financier heprofiling has developed Consultants and later (EMEA)andwhere market of the African region for export potential. She BDC a wealth of knowledge and exdeveloped an invaluable understandin Botswana and the region. international networks Director of two global strong has also published papersand on export competitiveness, World Trade business relationships. swana Trade and Investment Organisation negotiations and opportunities by the African pertise which will benefit the corporaingoffered of Business in Botswana and the MG Consulting and ector, ExportBotswana. Promotion and Growth and Opportunities Act. Mr. Gaetsaloe holds an MA in Accenture tion. Bashi has held several Director/ factors that ensure business success Science degree in Economics Bashi has specific experience working Economics from Yale University, ised and consulted New of Haven, USA and a sectors. Bachelor In particular he ed Kingdom and aCEO Bachelor Phuthego bringsresponsibilto BDC a wealth experience accumulated across Msvarious sectors covering positions of growing across various swana Government Economics from University of Botswana. Ms time in strategic leadershipofandArts derivedin from complex and businessover strategy, organisational Connecticut New London, ity and profile for the 18 years has College, demonstrated the competencies Institute for leading Development challenging exportpast development and investment environments. oanaBotswana’s transformation, business starttions of the Assistant Research USA. across banking, initially as a Director of HRMC Manrequired to transform and grow both ups and business turn-around, ciate Researcher from 2001Ends …. cations, insurance, change management, and financial agement Consultants and later as a private and public enterprises. g and mining industries. management. Through these Managing Director global experiences, Bashi of hastwo developed an entities including KPMG Consulting. Mr Gaetsaloe holds an MA in Economics from Yale University, New Furthermore, Bashi has advised and Haven, USA and a Bachelor of Arts in consulted Botswana Government as economics from Connecticut College,
e Nicola
ager (GM) velopment
www.bdc.bw
well as to Botswana’s leading compa-
New London, USA.
Botswana Innovation Hub Embarks of Growth Strategic Plan by Boidus Admin The Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology has recently presented their budget proposal for the financial year 2014/15. Botswana Innovation Hub has the second largest share with P150 million or 35% of the development budget. Boidus Focus asked BIH about the prioritization of accomplishments in the projects. Even before construction of the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park the company has already began the following key strategic objectives: • Promote networking and collaboration between academia, public and private sector in order to enhance innovation capacity. Already BIH is in partnership with Microsoft Corporation and the collaboration has resulted in the establishment of the Microsoft Innovation Centre. BIH is also in partnership with the Southern Africa Innovation Support
(SAiS) Programme which is aimed at developing a strengthened and well-functioning national innovation system. Another partnership that BIH has entered into is with the Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) where the parties strive to mobilize regional and international networks to support collaborations for research and innovation for health. • Provide incentives to attract high technology investments into Botswana Innovation Hub. Already Botswana Innovation Hub has 9 partner members, 24 fully registered members and 21 networks members. • Offer physical infrastructure with a range of specialized innovation support services. Botswana Innovation Hub has established First Steps Venture Center (FSVC) a technology entrepreneurship development programme for start-ups
‘Repressed Birth’ public art installation enhances architectural heritage by Keeletsang P. Dipheko
‘Repressed Birth’ is an art installation within our urban landscape which sets a platform to encourage, delight and illuminate the presence of public art in our civic environment. Cities gain value through public art – cultural, social, and economic value. Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our evolving culture. It reflects and reveals our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. Recently the Gaborone old city station bridge has experienced the art work by 20-III architects and public arts. Instead of building designs by architects, the three young architects Beullar Serema, Eric Johane and Pilang Rapalai found it fit to inform Batswana about a different kind of installation art and to try and preserve architectural heritage. According to 20-III architects, Architecture is not about building only, it connects engineering, architects and arts, and it comes as a unique art. The art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces. It provides an intersection between past, present and future, between disciplines, and between ideas.
“We read a couple of articles mentioning that the old bridge is going to be demolished because of the new bridge at Rail park so we tried to do something exciting and engaging so that people can try to appreciate it more and not abandon it,” said Beullar Serema. Serema said they looked for abandoned buildings, to do the art just to show the public that old buildings has an important part to play in our urban spaces. “The reason why the bridge caught our eyes is because of the economic factor associated with it, it can be a historic monuments because that was the first bridge and it acts as a connection between Gaborone and Botswana that’s why we chose the bridge,” Pilang Rapalai The team concludes that Public Art Installation is about the configuration of the subject in place, it is different from our traditional art work where we are more used to paintings and sculptures because here its different as the figure has to enter into a space to engage with it and the configuration of the object is in a way that the person in that space use the five senses whereas our traditional artwork only engages one visually. The public art is expected to inform Batswana with the new kind of art, different from sculptures.
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Advertorial Page 3
Boidus Feature Page 4
Hon Johnnie Swartz Legacy at MIST Regulating the Construction Industry
IN SEARCH OF A LASTING LEGACY-MIST UNDER HON. JOHNNIE SWARTZ by Keeletsang P. Dipheko / HK Mokwete
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Is Project Allocation through Rota System a Spoon feeding Culture? The commencement of the maintenance projects has also seen the return of the infamous Rota-System of project allocation. This is a system where consultants are put on a rota form through which they get awarded work on a basis of their turn or a toss. We ask the minister why this system is back in use after its previous misgivings and also whether he doesn’t think it promotes a spoon feeding culture? “Honestly I wouldn’t know. Maybe it’s spoon feeding because people don’t have go to great lengths to get work. We look at the register to select but then the selected consultant would still have to qualify for the work. Even so, we all have our own interpretation on these things.” He also discusses the need for local contractors to help themselves grow and develop necessary skills to compete for bigger jobs. He wonders why local consultants are not forming alliances and consortiums in order to amplify their skills pull and compete for bigger projects.
‘
Do we really need 50 architecture firms, and this many consulting firms in such a small economy as ours? Maybe consultants need to come together and form consortiums.
’
He highlights that although as government they can assist the industry by making basic work available, local contractors have to aspire for less dependency on government support. He notes that in regards to procurement of the so called mega projects, the long awaited unbundling of these projects has started and the first projects to be unpacked under this system include projects in Mmadinare and Mahalapye. He also notes that his Ministry has started assisting youth owned construction companies with the hope of building their skills base and assisting them grow into reputable companies. “To date, we have disbursed P100 million worth of projects to youth owned constructions companies and this year P32 million worth of projects h already been awarded to youth owned contractors so far.” CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
and which he will leave still engulfed in flames if he does not make it back to the ministry after this year’s election. To add to his woes, he also inherited a ministry with a history of massive expenditure just as the global economy was going into recession. MIST has seen its budget dwindle significantly in recent years, a situation worsened by the fact that the budget is shared by MIST and at least three other Ministries. The government’s total freeze on all new projects meant Swartz had to somehow use a shoe string budget to keep an overly government dependent industry afloat while also trying to bring under control costly corrupt practices and an ill-suited procurement and project management system which relied on private consultants to undertake almost all public projects. As Swartz told us during an exclusive interview with Boidus Focus, “We had to change the whole system, take the powers of managing projects back and show them (the private consultants) who the boss was”. These efforts to take back control from the overzealous private consultants created the need for a new project management strategy based around project audit committees to be formulated and fast track implemented. He points out that these Audit comities have saved government millions of Pula in public funds. The Project Management Office will soon be extended to the private sector again but this time around it will be through an Agency within the Ministry which will oversee coordination of all government construction projects. All this is part of an ongoing restructuring of the Ministry to en-
sure its execution of projects is well coordinated with all other ministerial stakeholders and is done in conjunction with the private sector. For the past three years government has turned its focus, as far as the construction industry is concerned, to maintenance work but one has to wonder at what the overarching basis behind these maintenance projects could be. Is there any policy on maintenance or ambitions beyond just physical upgrades of existing buildings? Are there any other intended benefits apart from ‘repairing’ buildings, such as perhaps skills base development or the sustainable upgrade of government buildings? True to his nature, Swartz quickly acknowledges that there probably ought to be some guiding principles on the maintenance focus and highlights that he hopes the current review of building regulations by his ministry will bring out solutions to some of these issues. He also notes that his ministry is working with PEEPA to review government’s project procurement systems. Currently, government ministries’ stakeholders operate in silos, with each ministry procuring its own projects and assistance in putting in place measures for guiding any maintenance of projects to safeguard our building heritage and conserve of our culture in buildings. The main challenge that has hampered the maintenance drive thus far has been a lack of oversight on exactly how many and to what extent government buildings need maintenance. Swartz reveals that his Ministry has engaged Deloitte and are also working with BOCCIM to undertake stock taking of state government projects which need maintenance.
The Chinese Contractors and the rampant corruption in the Industry We put it to him that there is concern that the arrival of Chinese Contractors is seen as the root cause of most of our industry’s failures, including corruption and failure to complete projects. The number of projects that have been awarded to Chinese Contractors only to run into problems is scandalous; these projects range from airports to schools to stadiums to police stations and many others. Swartz responds thusly: ‘The Chinese came as contractors and not necessarily as consultants so we can’t now think that it’s only the Chinese. They might have seen a little loop hole and used it and maybe we didn’t really do our work which we have now taken back control of. And then ‘yes’ when the Chinese came they got most of the jobs because they were lower than others in cost. But you must remember that it can’t be the Chinese alone involved in this mess, as they say it takes two to tango’.
Regulation OF ProfessionALs in the Construction Industry Hon Swartz speaks most passionately about his work in trying to bring the construction industry into a professionalised and regulated sector. Earlier on when discussing issues of allegations of corruption and professionalism, he delves into tactics he has had to use in efforts to get the industry in line and bring to him a draft guideline for a Construction regulating body. “As a farmer who is used to saying things as they are, I sometimes had to use direct language in face to face confrontations with contractors to express my frustration at the slow pace of the formation of the envisaged construction industry regulatory body.” The formation of an industry body is a task that has over many years eluded every minister that has attempted to do so. As far back as 2008, a report by the University of Botswana, commissioned by BOCCIM outlined in no ascertain terms that a Regulatory body was a critical component in bringing the industry’s challenges under control. Hon Swartz warmly implores that if there is anything he should want to be remembered for having achieved at the Ministry it is bringing regulation and self accountability to the construction industry. “I want this to be my legacy. If BOCCIM and the steering committee were to put the complete document which I know they are currently finalising, I will be taking it to the Attorney General for fine tuning and proceeding to present it to parliament. I will be presenting the amendments to the Architects Bill to Parliament this week; the Quantity Surveyors we have started and the Engineers Registration Board is already operational.” For a man who prides himself as a farmer, one has to agree that should he see through the regulation of the construction industry, Swartz would have achieved quite a milestone that shall leave a long lasting mark on the industry as it tries to find its way back from the brink of collapse after the recession and attempts to wean itself off of government dependency. However, the challenges, problems and real rot of the construction projects and management systems of public projects will however need more than honesty and openness to solve. They will need even more than just a professionalised industry. At best as a start, Minister Swartz would eclipse himself if he was to convince government to institute a commission of inquiry to investigate the true extent of the industry challenges including corruption, collusion and lack of professionalism, and public funds lost in all incomplete and abandoned projects. The inquiry would of course not only look into projects procured under MIST, but broaden its scope to include all public construction projects including civil structures and local Government projects. The inquiry would provide a clean slate on which the industry can move forward, put into perspective the Minister’s successes and failures during his time in charge of MIST and perhaps give him the lasting legacy he desires.
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Boidus Feature Page 5
Is Property Ownership an Investment or an Illusion? by Othata Batsetswe / Financial Inclusion Specialist & Project Coordinator / Principal Finance Administrator
relative to income, not price and availability. The fact that BHC has built houses in Serowe, Phakalane, Mahalapye and Molepolole that no one is interested in purchasing is due to that one aspect – Income. This therefore calls for all those involved in estates development to develop an affordable housing index that will be location specific whether it’s rural, urban, peri-urban etc. The index computation will factor three key variables: home prices, borrowing rates and average incomes. Affordable housing looked at in the short term will most likely prove to be costly in the long run. CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
will be extended a 10% discount, a move which has optimistically been described as ‘making property ownership affordable’. First and foremost, we need to have an understanding of what affordable housing is and move away from marketing gimmicks. Affordable housing refers to; a reasonably adequate in standard and location property for a specific income group; the property should not cost so much that a household is unlikely to be able to meet other basic needs on a sustainable basis. This then implies that affordability in housing is
The current call for acquisition of property is misleading because as soon as interest rates start rising again, affordability is going to decline at a considerably faster rate and we know that in the past our bank rate has gone all the way to rates higher than 14% and if history is a predictor of the future especially in the financial sector, then we are most likely to experience failing mortgages and rich financial institutions. Our market does not operate in isolation so the current slow growth on the global economy will have an impact on the future bank rate. Instabil-
www.cnonline.co.bw
Reliance Office Supplies We are Botswana’s leading corporate furniture supplier and have been in operation since 1989. We hold the exclusive Botswana franchise for CN Business Furniture, the prestigious South African company with 9 branches in South Africa. Having worked for years with interior designers, corporate layout specialists and on large corporate projects, we have now rebranded and redesigned our own space here in Gaborone. Whilst in the past we relied on catalogues and design software to display our furniture to customers, we now have a dedicated showroom to display our ranges in all their full-size glory. Please allow us the opportunity to welcome you into our working haven and to introduce you to our ranges of: executive and operator desking and seating; reception furniture; soft seating; boardroom furniture; screens and partitions; training and educational furniture; restaurant, cafe and canteen furniture and storage and filing systems. Our furniture is of the highest quality, with most products holding a 5 year warranty. We showcase ranges for all budgets including pieces designed and imported from Italy. We provide delivery and installation, so that you can order in the knowledge that your furniture will be set-up in your office to your exacting specifications. We understand that you spend an average of 264 days at work each year. Let us help you spend those days surrounded by the beautiful office furniture you deserve. RELIANCE OFFICE SUPPLIES (PTY) LTD t/a CN (Cecil Nurse) BUSINESS FURNITURE Plot 1247, Haile Selassie Rd, Old Industrial, Gaborone | P.O. Box 1084 Mogoditshane, Botswana Tel: +267 3956578 | Fax: 3974377 | Email: graham@cnonline.co.bw
ity (though diplomatically controlled) in the EU/ USA as they react to annexing of Crimea, can lead to challenges in energy provision which can change prices and therefore affect administered prices. A slowing Asian growth (India & China) can have a bad impact on financial markets in the long run and we will not be immune. Affordable housing looked at in the short term is myopic. It requires more than a sale of a house. Government has to move in deliberately to amend polices that promote exclusion to affordable housing. These polices border on the land tenure and the access to affordable finance. By affordable finance we refer to finance that a median income family can afford and still not compromise on consumption and affordability of other basic needs. Housing as a basic need simply means housing should be looked at as a right since it borders on dignity. Affordable credit can come about in so many basic ways; one of them is for government together with the pension funds to set up a risk mitigation pool of funds where, say an amount is injected to offset the risk amount that banks charge to consumers/borrowers. This can lower mortgage rates by about 300 points basis. Pension contribution can also be structured such that first term years provide a savings mechanism that can be used as leverage to borrowing and facilitate asset financing. The second phase can be aggressive on medical and high risk investment portfolios, while the third stage can focus on preservation of value and medication because after retirement old age has its own medical challenges which may require specialised treatment. Affordable housing also has an element of affordable rent. It should be clear that people don’t rent houses because they are lazy to buy but rather due to prohibitive costs both from acquisition and monthly loan maintenance. A low cost BHC house valued at P400, 000 will cost P600/m rental and a loan repayment will cost P5000/m. At the end of the day it makes more sense for BHC to provide accommodation to low income tiers in the form of rent to buy rather than straight away purchase, contrary to the thinking by Real Estates Institute of Botswana (REIB) Chairperson, which rather makes the view a REIB position. When you make money off inflated prices it tends to get you divorced from the reality and therefore ignorance grows at the expense of the people that need the service the most. Affordable housing provision cannot be done in isolation from a housing authority whose function will be to monitor and track the cost, management and standards in housing. A closer look
or rather a visit to the different websites reveals that real estate agents employ predatory pricing strategies for housing. I’ve had dealings with about four valuation companies and the prices I got on one property were quite interesting. They ranged from P535, 000 to P950, 000. This lack of standardisation and analytical tools by the REIB in property valuation has if anything escalated the cost of property and in the process made it unaffordable to most Batswana earning average incomes. If one property can have such a wide range in value, then there is something totally wrong and therefore may require a customised valuation property for the Botswana market. Since most Batswana nowadays have discovered the East for finishing’s then there is also reason for the properties to be even more affordable since the materials are much less costly than those acquired locally or in the region. To further demonstrate the lack of consistency in valuation, I would urge the reader to visit a few sites and look at the price offerings for the Louisville Estates in Gaborone and appreciate the inconsistency in pricing. Is property ownership an investment or an illusion? The answer depends on where you are seated. My boy Kops will tell you that setting up an SMME that generates income, then using the proceeds to buy your property cash and finally insuring it is the way to go. From a bank perspective, getting a loan for P700, 000 will result in a total payment of P3.5 million over 25 years on current rates. From the two scenarios you wait 25 years to own equity while the other one is job creating and provides immediate equity upon purchase. Getting a mortgage doesn’t make you a property owner but a renter of debt. If property appreciated at the rate at which you pay interest then it would be a worthy investment but that’s not the case because property appreciates at around 1-2% annually and this is not forever as localities lose value as more people move in. The 2008 economic meltdown has proved that property is not such a huge investment. Do you know that there is a correlation between unemployment and home ownership? If you are young then the best thing is to rent and someone has to provide that affordable start up house for rent. It’s cheaper to rent a house to buy than to rent debt. For the local corporation to assist in affordable housing, let’s focus more on rent to buy. You make the decision! The concept of affordable housing should not be treated as an opportunity to sell property but rather as a chance to improve welfare and dignity. A desire for the consumer to understand the mortgage contract should be the underlying factor before a sale is made. Pictures top and Bottom: The $6,000 House, Capetown MMA Architects of South Africa took the top prize of $100,000, which was announced today by the school. The firm, based in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Berlin, won for their 10X10 house, an extremely affordable structure built using sandbags and timber. It requires no tools or advanced construction knowledge and can be built for slightly more than $6,000, while still presenting a striking, modern design.
Sustainability Page 6
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
SUSTAINABILITY TODAY
ENERGY
Leaked Global Warming Report Warns Time is Running Out
Leaked Global Warming Report Warns Time is Running Out
Added by Glen Parris on April 6, 2014. Saved under Climate Change, Glen Parris, Science, World Tags: Global Warming
[Source: guardianlv.com/2014/04/leaked-global-warming-report-warnstime-is-running-out/]
by Phenyo Motlhagodi
Financial Incentives and Investment in Forest Conservation – Part 1
In a recent United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative [UNEP FI] report, there appears to be a strong argument that the lack of a clear price signal to use forests in a more sustainable way is the key reason why deforestation and forest degradation continue unabated. The report also indicates that changes in financial incentives are needed to tackle commercial activities, taxes and subsidies that lead to forest loss (the “downside”) and to stimulate activities and initiatives that promote the protection and sustainable use of forests (the “upside”). Stimulating the sustainable use of forests is a worldwide challenge.
A leaked report from the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A leaked report from the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reportedly warns that time is running out to meet the “2 degrees target” that was reportedly warns that time is running out to meet the “2 degrees target” that was previouslyset. set.The Thetwo twodegrees degreesCelsius Celsiustarget target comes from a promise that nearly 200 previously comes from a promise that nearly 200 countries made in 2010, which promises that those nations “will limit global warmcountries made in 2010, which promises that those nations “will limit global warming to ing than to less than two degrees over pre-industrial times.” Thedraft leaked by the IPCC less two degrees over pre-industrial times.” The leaked bydraft the IPCC offers offers solutions how to the ever-worsening consequences and conditions solutions on how on to curb thecurb ever-worsening consequences and conditions of global of warming by greatly lowering greenhouse gasses around world. global warming by greatly lowering greenhouse gassesthe around the world. Starting on April 7 and ending on April 12, the IPCC is to meet in Berlin, as expert Startingscientists on April and 7 and ending on officials April 12,will thediscuss IPCC isglobal to meet in Berlin, asclimate expert climate government warming and climate scientists and government officials will discuss global warming and climate change. The main task at hand is to edit and review a 29-page draft that estimates the change. The mainand task“clean” at hand is to edit and review 29-page draftof that estimates cost of low-carbon energies “between two a and six percent world output the by cost ofOn low-carbon anddraft “clean” “between two andreleased six percent ofpublic. world output 2050.” April 13, the is toenergies be finalized and formally to the
by 2050.” On April 13, the draft is to be finalized and formally released to the public.
Since 1900, temperatures across the globe have risen by around 0.8 C (1.4F). Actual temperatures across the world are closing in on the two degrees ceiling temperature that Since 1900, temperatures across the globe have risen by around 0.8 C (1.4F). climate scientists are aiming for; this may not be a realistic goal, however. If projections
Actual temperatures across the world are closing in on the two degrees ceiling temperature that climate scientists are aiming for; this may not be a realistic goal, however. If projections hold true, then the temperature will rise above the 2C mark in the next decades. Raising the goal temperature is a possibility, which is being debated. There will be a question of whether the world can adapt to two degrees, or even three or four, above pre-industrial times. But rises of temperatures of these magnitudes could cause “irreversible damages,” as well as causing “risks to food and water supplies.” The IPCC’s leaked report about global warming ultimately warns that time is running out to meet the 2C goal, because anything over that may cause dangerous and impactful environmental changes. The top two emitters of greenhouse gasses are China and the United States. China has some of the worst pollution in the world. This has led to consequences such as smog blocking out the sun and breathing and heart problems for some of its citizens. However, environmental legislation of the nation has recently been proposed by China, which would make big businesses, who do most of the polluting in the country, pay a compensation fee. While pollution is not as vital of a concern in the United States despite many environmental laws, the nation as a whole still releases a significant amount of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Lowering overall greenhouse gas emissions could greatly help the environment with the two degrees target, but it is projected to “reduce economic output” of the world economies. Meeting the two degrees Celsius goal would cause nations to contain energy systems that are cleaner, although pricier. Coal would likely be largely discontinued as an energy source, even though it is a cheaper and plentiful alternative to the expensive capturing of carbon dioxide. According to the report, low-carbon energy sources need to greatly be increased if the target temperature is to be attained. These are “clean” energy sources such as “wind, hydro- and solar power, nuclear power” that could produce energy, as well as being much kinder to the environment than burning fossil fuels. Global warming has become a serious problem due to steadily increasing temperatures around the world in recent times, and the IPCC’s leaked report warns the world’s powers that time is running out to meet the two degrees Celsius target. Ultimately, the report is a strict reminder that the world needs to greatly decrease its reliance on fossil fuels to avoid drastic consequences or great changes that could be the result of global warming. Time is running out in more ways than one on global warming impacting the world. By Glen Parris @DoctorGlenbo
If you look at Botswana specifically, the existence of Forest Conservation Botswana (FCB) seeks to deal with this challenge directly. FCB is mandated to promote activities that maintain, restore, protect and ensure sustainable utilisation of Botswana forests by prudently managing the Tropical Forest Conservation Fund (TFCF). The TFCF is intended to strengthen civil society by giving small grants to NGOs and local communities to carry out beneficial projects to communities and their environments. Citizens and institutions such as NGOs, including Village Development Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, and educational entities, alongside economic, scientific, and professional organisations are also eligible for grant application. This has been the first of its kind in Africa, coming into formation in 2006 as a result of the Governments of the United States of America and Botswana signing the first Tropical Forest Conservation Act and forming Forest Conservation Botswana. In view of the financial incentive (grand offered by FCB) for which the UNEP FI is advocating, the success of FCB has been unremarkable, with just over 23 projects in about 20 locations. The fund itself will tell you that it struggles with enticing uptake of funded sustainability projects among communities and relevant organisations. It could be argued that our culture as a nation may need to shift to accommodate sustainability in its modern day needs. Surely to address this situation some sort of a systems approach is needed in which the economic system, social-political system and ecosystem can be embedded within each other, and then integrated through the governance system that holds all other systems together with a legitimate regulatory framework. Sustainability implies the continuous and mutually compatible integration of these systems over time; sustainable development means making sure that these systems remain mutually compatible as the key development challenges are met through specific actions and interventions to eradicate poverty and sever inequalities. This is as such the SA Sustainable Development definition, used as the bedrock of addressing the issue of sustainability. Botswana itself is a ready market for forest-based mitigation with a financial play and has all the elements in place i.e. the societal need, FCB, Poverty-Environment Initiative (a joint programme by UNDP and UNEP to work with Governments towards the integration of pro-poor environmental considerations into national and district planning processes) and now most importantly multi-national corporations who elsewhere have CSI policies in place to be engaged in such initiatives, particularly in the areas of construction,
mining and energy. The “Why and How” are outlined in a study produced by the UNEP FI’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems Work stream and Climate Change working Group which states that: There are many reasons why forest-based mitigation should be interesting to the private sector generally and financial institutions specifically. However, in order to mobilise this private sector capital at the required scale, it is paramount that policy makers: i. Offer avenues and formats for the private sector to invest and engage in the protection, rehabilitation and creation of forests; ii. Increase the financial competitiveness and attractiveness of forest based climate mitigation investments and; iii. Reduce the investment risks involved. It is therefore essential that: i. Financial institutions fully understand the nature of the commercial opportunities, and potential investment avenues in the area of forest-based climate change mitigation; as well as the public mechanisms and risk mitigation instruments available for such investments. Policymakers, including in particular the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiators understand the needs, priorities and views of the private sector investors, lenders and insurers in relation to the specific characteristics of forest-based mitigation opportunities, so as to facilitate their involvement. Without such involvement, it seems likely that the effective implementation of forestbased climate change mitigation at the needed scale seriously risks remaining an idea rather than becoming a reality. In conclusion, this is a clarion call for all concerned Government entities, academia, civil society and the private sector to each take their place at the table where the dire needs of the environment can be addressed. To be continued with investment examples in next issue
Urban Forestry as part of Urban Metropolis
Urban Forestry as Urban Recreation and Connectivity Phenyo Motlhagodi is a seasoned Radio Personality and a St Louis Top 40 under 40 finalist Facebook: Phenyo Motlhagodi Twitter: PhenyoOnRadio
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Guest Columnist Page 7
The Art Room by Sophie Lalonde
Pablo Picasso and Henry Matisse have been widely documented as being influenced by African art. Africa was a mysterious continent that intrigued them and other artists at the time and from then on. For centuries, Africa has been a source of creativity to other artists. Nevertheless, art from Africa was, in those days, classified as craft rather than art. It was a source of inspiration, not a credited art from.
African Design on the continent opened. The museum is located in the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, a small area, which is being revived into a cultural hub, dedicated to young creative talent. However, it is not only within Africa that the dynamics of African art are changing. African art is increasingly being included in international art fairs, museums and galleries. Art Dubai, the leading international art fair, in 2013 invited Lagos based Bisi Silver to select work from West Africa to be represented at the fair.
For a long time, art from Africa was controversially referred to as ‘primitive art’. This old and tired way of perceiving African art is changing and most dramatically in the 21st century. Even as close as the 1980’s and 1990’s views of African art were often problematic. Susuan Vogel, curator and African art expert, explained at a 1991 seminal exhibition ‘Africa Explores’ that the problem African artists face is the lack of commercial space to exhibit their work as well as an underwhelming number of African patrons.
In November 2012 the Tate Modern, London launched ‘Across the Board’, a two year project which consists of a number of events featuring emerging African artists.
Ghanaian, El Anatsui is at the forefront of contemporary artists of his time and has received large amount of international attention for his work. El Anutsai, Nukae (detail), 2006. Image courtesy of cliff1066/WikiCommons
Possibly most impressively African art held its own international fair in London last year at Somerset House titled 1:54; fifty-four representing the number of countries in Africa.
Since 1991 a lot has changed. In the last 20 years or so there have been a growing number of internationally acclaimed artists from Africa as well as a growing number of successful visual and cultural arts centers on the continent. Nigeria has the most rich art scene to date with a large amount of international exposure and relationships growing.
African art is ridding itself of the ideas of the old Africa. Artists are making their mark in Africa and in the world, contradicting thoughts of any conceptual and continental boundaries there were in place. Still an inspiration to the rest of the world, it is also an inspiration to our African artists. Africa is bright and creatively, has something very different to offer.
Last year in Johannesburg the first Museum of
Angola exhibiting for the first time at the Venice Biennale were awarded with the prestigious Gold Lion Award for the best pavilion.
About Sophie Lalonde
Tracy Rose ha held solo exhibition in South Africa, Europe and America and has participated in a number of international events including the Venice Biennale. Detail from Tracey Rose’s Maqueii 2002. Lambda print 118 x 118 cm Edition of 6. Courtesy of Goodman Gallery
Architects Registration: What is at stake? by HK Mokwete
Last week the Architects’ Registration (Amendment) Bill was presented to parliament to provide a subvention to the original act of 2008 which will allow for government funding to the beleaguered profession. At the heart of the changes, the Bill amends the Act by extending revenues of the Architects’ Registration Council to include annual subvention or grants from government until such time that the council is able to source its own funding. Other amendments include: •
Incorporation of minimum qualifications for registration for architectural technolo-
•
•
gists and draftspersons. Introduction of practicing certificates and to provide for annual fees for practicing certificates. To provide for submission of architectural drawings for local authorities approval by registered architects only.
The first Act of 2008 provided for self regulation and independence from government but after spending most the time working voluntarily the interim Architectural Registration Council quickly ran into the same challenges that the engineering profession ran into. The establish-
Sophie Lalonde is the owner of Botswana's first commercial and contemporary art gallery, Sophie Lalonde Art. Currently the gallery is exhibiting a solo exhibition with French artist Catherine Timotei.
ment of such a complex, time consuming entity cannot be undertaken without funding and even if it could be its operation would still require a good source of revenue above subscription fees. But why is the regulation of architects so important? What is at stake? Public/consumer protection Architecture is the second oldest profession after medicine (even though some would say it’s the 4th after medicine, law and church), and forms an integral part of life as it creates the spaces in which human beings live in every part of the world. Architects, in their role at the centre of most of what is built up, carry a lot of responsibility as their work is essential to the well being of people. In value terms global architecture firms’ turnover is in the billions per annum. The largest architectural firm in the world, the interdisciplinary AECOM GROUP turns over US$400 million a year and employs 1,370 people worldwide (The WA100-2013).
The works that architects undertake span a wide spectrum that ranges from the ordinary house, hospitals, schools, airports, and bridges to furniture, transportation systems, and recently the design of space crafts and ships as is the case of Norman Forster’s design of the Virgin Galactic Spacecraft and the London Route master bus. The role of architects in a society is therefore undisputed. With such responsibility comes accountability to the public and the profession. This is what is at the heart of the regulation of architects and indeed other professions; to safeguard the building consumer, maintain integrity of the profession and promote good standards in the education and professional practice. What has been happening in Botswana since independence has been a crude process of undertaking architecture in an environment where anyone can call themselves an architect and take on work that would ideally be reserved for a professional architect with the required skills. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 17
Boidus Feature Page 8
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
The game of sustainability [New version 25/03/2014]
by Jan Wareus / Architect & Town Planner
The topic implied in the flippant heading above is so important that I have to take a deep look into myself and my experiences – so, here we go… Arriving in Gaborone in January 1979 (in an old DC-3) was quite a mind changing experience. The town (as it was then, before hubris set in – in effect, Serowe was and has always been the capital I learnt later) was a new model “garden city” as per my university text books – a charming, tiny, green new-town with curving streets and functional environmentally friendly roundabouts perfectly servicing the traffic volumes planned for at the time. Where did the concept that this little garden city of 20 to 30 000 inhabitants could forever grow without denying its origin come from? Instead of, as per the book, be repeated at some distance and conveniently connected with public transport? Sorry to say, my predecessors - planners from Europe (and Sweden) - should have known better. Gaborone quickly became unsustainable! The interested reader must know that the so called Gaborone Growth Study of 1978 was the probably the least convincing growth plan a capital ever had. The murky side of aid dependency is not so much the aid money spent as it is the intellectual capacity of the supporting expats! I soon discovered a western, “proper” Mall and an “indigenous” African Mall in the small garden city. The functional reasons for this were quite confusing to me, until I realised that the “letting” of retails in the proper one were skewed. The proper Mall had no possibilities for traditional low income outlets! It was fine spun for high income inhabitants north of the Mall! Why? Because the garden city was made by planners from a very class-minded country and the implemented concept from the (British) books indicated the same! Astonishingly, the initial garden city concept was familiar to me. The neighbourhood housing concept used by the first planners of the 1963/64 layout was as per the planning concept “invented” in the western world and frequently used in layouts for suburbs, new towns and expansion areas there. But soon and to my surprise, I discovered that it was not new to the Tswana tradition. Most rural towns and villages had a similar concept for creating living space. This point became a strong point in my later layouts (this is Tswana tradition!) so I wrote a paper about it and the response was – JW want us to put on traditional skins and dance for him (uttered by a Director of Town And Regional Planning in front of a Minister and Sandy Grant mentioned this in his ETC column later). Botswana Society was equally less interested, but a few like Prof. Mason were, indeed. Likewise was the traditional housing mix Sir Seretse Khama directed the
View From behind Parliament 1966
planners to adhere to in the 70’s – it was functional and made possible future upgrading and even accepted as such by CEO’s from Britain (e.g. Dir/BHC and Dir/Surveys and Lands). The upgrading and cross-subsidy issues were so important that it was supported even by these CEO’s. Most astonishing though was the fact that the small capital of Gaborone had its own power plant in 1979. In the old industrial area with coal from the north regularly delivered by train on its own side-spur. A solution that nowadays many cities are longing for instead of long, impediment creating power lines from far away (loosing 1/3 of the expensive energy in the transmission and another 1/3 in the local wiring). The same for domestic connections, unfortunately, and we pay the full costs for this inefficient delivery. I’ll be back to this fact, later. We are now into “Small is Beautiful” and we need some explanations: It’s the title of a book from 1973 by E F Schumacher (EFS); “Small is Beautiful – A Study of Economics as if People Mattered” and it became one of the 100 most influential books published since WW2 (Wikipedia). He was a Keynesian economist that for many years was an important member of the British Coal Board. His economic and technical experience convinced him of the importance of “appropriate technology” congruent to the general experience (and skills) by people and their leaders in some third world countries (e.g. Papua New Guinea). He died in 1977 already well aware of the first oil crisis and the limping steps into the “digital, electronic society”. But his thinking was taken further by the Schumacher Centre for New Economics. Books and papers have been produced in large numbers and it is astonishing that he is almost totally unknown here. EFS clearly saw the future of third world economies and their inherited dependence on cheap oil and energy as he had experienced the finite coal resources in Britain and the so called first oil crisis. Furthermore, he didn’t see any lasting blessings in the petrol and electronic high tech as it was also based on finite and increasingly expensive resources. It also depended to a high degree on very skilled and specialised engineers, resulting in alienation for the ordinary mechanics and the users of the digital apps and not being able to maintain the “blessings” themselves. Interestingly, Botswana had its own EFS working, preaching and starting up “appropriate technology” projects since the 60’s. I’m referring to Patrick van Rensburg. He was somewhat in the
background and very neglected by the western orientated part of the establishment. His educational and practical concepts were highly appreciated, though, by the Scandinavian governments of the time prior to the neo-liberal paradigms. Prophets at home are never admired, they say! True, but recent problems for the educational arm of the government were earlier pointed out to no avail. I’m perplexed when noting that there is a kind of two tier system being allowed to evolve here – a privatised quality and a government quantity education. A socio-economic recipe for disaster – bankruptcy comes step by step and then, all of a sudden! However, there is hardly any discussion about this double system today, evidently a serious part of the problem! As a retired architect/physical planner I will now on the basis of my experiences noted above, go into the devastating state of our infrastructure and concentrate on the power delivery system as it is currently the most discussed problem. The “modern” power delivery concept for Botswana is forced upon us by the western, now post-industrial countries. The technological side of it has been developed over a century marked by cheap, abundant fossil fuel. Thus the effectiveness of the system was not a serious question until today when fossil fuel is peaking and economy decreasing. Even the western countries can’t pay the bills! But this is what they have developed and must face and the same for us – we have to maintain the dubious concept we have, at least for a generation. How do we do that? Well let’s see if the wastefulness of the system can be corrected, at least partially – the price of power depends on this! If you don’t know it by now (you will never, never…) I will tell you that already in the 90’s it was clear that there was a problem with maintaining the infrastructure given to us, based initially on cheap fossil fuel and money in abundance, the basis for mimicking western developments in Africa. And their industries were spitting out products, more or less obsolete to them but “needed” for developing countries that didn’t have economy to buy at shop/prime price but so called Aid Money (their tax money) could pay for it. Now you know why so called “legitimate expectations” by African countries were met by obsolete products and technology from west. Let’s call it neo-colonialism supported by local, in-house colonialism. And we must face it – there are mighty corporate interests behind the power solutions we decide to implement! For instance, we know now that modern economies run at less than 5% for the full chain from extraction to delivery (“Factor Four” by Weisacker, Lovins and Lovins 1998). So, there is a considerable scope for advance. The book also tells us that we can do everything we do on a quarter (1/4) of energy and materials now used. Remember, longhaul electricity loses about 1/3 of energy in the transmission and another 1/3 is lost in the local wiring and plugs. Inefficiency, yes! And totally unacceptable but might be improved (and must be) as we have to pay for this inefficiency. However, according to many scientists that’s not enough for a truly sustainable future – at least a factor 10 will be needed to avoid further climate change and surviving on resources available. Now you know the song! And, according to a very fine blogger, John M Greer (The Archdruit Report), whose posts I read every week: “It’s no longer necessary to speculate about what kind of future the end of the age of cheap abundant energy will bring to the industrial world – the package has already been delivered.”
Gaborone now- Blighted by Urban Sprawl As ex-president Masire pointed out in a paper recently Botswana has signed the Kyoto Protocol regarding the use of solar power in the country. Furthermore, Vision 2016 is pointing out that Botswana has a tremendous potential for solar energy that must be exploited, especially for rural communities not catered for by national grid. Despite this, BPC (together with a few allied and alien corporations) goes and extends the national grid to more than a hundred rural settlements! My point of BPC being kidnapped by alien corporations is a fact! For a short while I was part of this conceptually imperfect project, helping the involved Swedish partner to BPC with surveys. And to my perplexed mind, some far away hamlets and villages had schools, clinics, administration offices and more with “defunct” solar power. I’m not an electrician but I could see that the wiring was for 220 Volts, i.e. tiny slim wires. As far as I know from my grandfather and my old father-in-law that had old kind of windmills for pumping water and charging batteries – wiring for low voltage (12 V) is quite different from high voltage (220 V) tiny wires (as 220 can push through minimal wires with heat losses but 12 volt cannot). I’m not sure, but I think that as usual it was a management/supervision problem. I’m glad to be corrected if need be. Maybe, they didn’t know how to handle the batteries (read prof. Grynberg in Mmegi of March 28, 2014). However, the new expensive grid was just replacing existing solar panels, probably wrongly installed. Made right, the low voltage solar panels would have done a good job as most modern electronics work fine on 12 V and lights, too. There were very few households with money for BPC power. I hope some disused solar panels came into use by then! However, don’t take my comments for being some death sentence to BPC and work done so far. I’m in full understanding of the working climate they are into and the lack of skills to supervise multimillion projects. Many fine engineers have never experienced the reality on the ground and big business due to a very forced and hasty localisation, so they are learning reality the hard way. But we now have to take a step by step walk away from the bankruptcy to a sustainable situation – the one we have signed treaties about. There are similar problems for water and roads and I hope other “dissidents” can jump the confession train. For roads, I’ve many times said – leave them out from “electrical upgrading” and don’t add more lanes for private cars – it’s like curing obesity by loosening the belt! Reserve one lane for public transport and kombis are necessary for the time being as grand scale public transport will never happen in times of descending economy. The man who never understand his defeats takes nothing with him into the future (Aksel Sandemose) Jan Wareus/ Gabane
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds 2014 CALENDAR EVENTS
2014 Calendar Events | Tenders| April 2014
TENDERS
AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION EXPO - MAY 2014
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS HERE AND REACH YOUR CUSTOMERS Find Boidus on:
CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM TODAY:
THABO
KILLION
t +267 71501301 e thabo@boidus.co.bw
t +267 75505291 e killion@boidus.co.bw
[SALES]
[SALES & EDITORIAL]
www.boidus.co.bw
27-28 May 2014 Seminar day: 26 May 2014 Site visits: 29 May 2014 African Construction Week: 26-29 May 2014
Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg, South Africa The African Construction Expo and Conference is the only forum that brings together construction professionals from the entire African continent. The event hosts a conference that addresses strategic issues around large scale construction and infrastructure projects.
An interactive exhibition showcases the latest products and solutions that help deliver projects on time and on budget. A free-to-attend workshop programme provides educational content and encourages a change towards a more sustainable approach to construction.
The event is designed for the industry’s senior level management, investors, government representatives as well as construction professionals of all trades. MUST-ATTEND event will connect buyers, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers, providing a platform to: • Stay on the cutting edge with the latest in new products and equipment • Find everything your company needs in one place with experts on hand to answer questions • See products in action and other live demonstrations • Gain access to experts in education, training and other professional services
2014 IASP AFRICAN DIVISION CONFERENCE
The conference will feature presentations on the following sub-themes: • Science Parks and Economic Diversification • Africa and Innovation • Science, Technology, Innovation & Sustainability
Strength is a choice. Cumbersome delivery? Hefty boxes? Fragile gifts?
Bring on your heavy parcels.
Sprint Couriers will take the weight off your shoulders, and off your mind. Contact our sales department to learn more about our competitive rates.
Call 390 3300 or 390 3069 www.sprintcouriers.co.bw
Swift & alert • Reliable & efficient • Cost effective
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds April 2014 | Home Improvement Ideas
DIY Projects - How To Stamp a Concrete Porch Floor
Sponsoredby by Sponsored
Use overlay and a pattern stamp to rework a cracked and peeling concrete porch floor. The result is a stylish porch surface resembling slate at a fraction of the cost. [Source: diynetwork.com]
Step 1: Clean the surface
water ratio used for the skim coat. The texture pave is mixed similarly, but will be thicker – to create a stamping layer, mix four quarts of water per 55 lb. bag. This mix should also be thoroughly mixed first, allowed to set for five minutes and mixed again. Because several batches are required make sure the four quarts is exact to ensure consistency.
This project must begin with a completely clean concrete surface. The overlay will chemically bond with the concrete so any paint on the concrete must be removed. Using a grinder with a diamond blade, grind in smooth circular movements until the concrete is the only thing left (image 1). Use a 3000 psi power washer to clean the newly exposed surface and get rid of dirt and debris (image 2).
towards the opposite end. Spray a liquid release agent on the bottom of the polyurethane stamp and the area of the porch to stamp. Apply the stamp to the concrete, and press down with hands or feet starting at the outside edge of the stamp and working towards the center. Set the next stamp adjacent to the first and overlap the edges by three to four inches. Alternate the orientation of the stamp to enhance a more random pattern. Allow it to dry for six to eight hours.
Step 4: Mix the Skim Coat Step 2: Etch the Concrete Porch Floor
In a clean bucket, mix eight parts water to one part muriatic acid. The acid will etch the concrete, exfoliating it and opening its pores. In a separate bucket mix eight parts of water to one part ammonia. Flood the porch with the acid solution first. Spread it with a broom so everything is covered. Once the acid stops fizzing, flood the porch with the ammonia mixture to neutralize the acid and adjust the pH. The ammonia reacts immediately, don’t wait to let it take effect. Power wash the porch again to rinse excess acid and ammonia from the porch.
Step 3: Prep the Porch for the Skim Coat
Prep the house for the skim coat by taping the door jambs & edges of the house with painters tape. This step ensures that the skim coat doesn’t bond to the house.
To mix the thin finish skim coat, use a mixing paddle and heavy duty mixing drill and place it in an empty five gallon bucket. Add seven to eight quarts of water to the bucket first, and then add a 55-lb bag of thin finish. Wear a mask, and mix the finish so that the consistency is very soupy, with no lumps. Let the material set for five minutes and then re-mix.
Step 7: Apply Thin Finish & Texture Pave
Make sure the concrete is wet, but with no puddles. Pour the skim coat out in sections and spread it in Ushaped motions with a squeegee (image 1). Start at the edge and work away from the house (image 2). Spread the skim coat evenly and without lines. Use a paintbrush for the edges, since the squeegee is too big. The skim coat should dry for several hours before beginning to apply the next stamping coat.
Wet the concrete substrate thoroughly. Leaving dry spots will create puddles when stamping. Squeegee off excess water (image 1). Squeegee on a layer of Thin Finish. Work in small sections, and apply the Texture Pave. Set the gauge rake to 1/4 of an inch. Pour out the Texture Pave and spread one bucket at a time. Use the gauge rake to spread and always keep the handle at the same height so the product spreads at the same thickness. Smooth out the lines by floating a squeegee across the surface (image 2). Don’ t forget to paint the sides, and allow the texture pave to set up before stamping.
Step 6: Mix Thin Finish & Texture Pave
Step 8: Stamp the Concrete
Step 5: Apply the Skim Coat
For the stamping layer, apply a thin bonding layer of Thin Finish®, and a thicker layer of Texture Pave®. To mix the Thin Finish, follow the same instructions and
Allow the Texture Pave to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to the point it is stampable. Start at the outside edge of the concrete area and work
Step 9: Smooth any Bumps
Use a rubbing stone to take out all the divots and lumps of concrete that have dried overnight. Rub the edges and clean the dust off.
Step 10: Color the Surface
Protect the house with paper and tape (image 1), and apply the stain by using a pump sprayer (image 2). Two coats are usually required with the first being a primer and the second being the finish color. Wait at least an hour between spraying coats. Use a broom to push any color out of puddles and keep a rag handy for any spills.
Step 11: Apply the Sealer
Apply sealer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Usually application can be done with a paint roller.
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds
DIY | April 2014
Lifestylenoted by Keshia Mogopa, Interior Designer
Expert Home Owner... Rethink your space! Every time you rethink your space, you are rethinking your life.
10 ways to get the best out of your space
10 ways to get the
B E S T
out of your
S PA C E
1
2
3
Decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary junk. A clean and uncluttered space looks more inviting and easy on the eye. Clean lines and an uncluttered look are the mainstays of modern minimalist interior designs. Warmth is created through the use of texture, and stainless steel or chrome is often used on furniture, with Artwork kept to a minimal.
6
Loft beds/bunk beds are not just for children. Whether its combined with a cozy sofa, workstation or another bed space, the double height feature can be extremely space enhancing. This is especially true if you live in a small studio apartment or a cool bachelor pad that has limited square footage.
7
The guest room doesn’t have to be underutilized. Maximize storage potential with clever bed-and-shelf furniture that can interchange between the two easily.
9
4
Does your home look too dull and crammed? Try covering one wall with full-length mirrors to visually enlarge and brighten the space. The good thing about mirrors is that they can open the available space and give the illusion of a more expansive setting without changing a single thing. One good place to start is your dining area
5
Multi-purpose furniture are a key to maximising a petite home, so try a chest for storage, coffee table and sitting bench all in one.
If your dining table is catering for more space than it usually requires, consider switching it up for a smaller but extendable one. This way, you can free up some space on usual days and extend it to accommodate more only needed. Expandable dining tables are available in various finishes so could suit for any interior design. Just pull up a couple of foldable chairs and you’re set!
Rearranging and experimenting with he configuration of your space can be a refreshing change. With a clever arrangement, you might be able to fit more into your space, like a petite work desk beside your sofa in the living room. Or perhaps a lovely organizational storage space above a well fitted petite work space within the kitchen.
You’ll be surprised at how clearing the clutter off your floor can make your home look and feel much more spacious. So go ahead and mount your TV, console and cabinets on the wall and keep the bulkiness off your floor. Having shutters (as opposed to curtains) also does the trick!
10
8
Instead of cluttering desk with corkboards or whiteboards, consider painting a section of your wall with chalkboard paint or stick on a chalkboard decal to utilize wall space instead.
Make the most of the space under your bed. Bed frames with integrated storage are incredibly useful, but if you don’t have one, your can always organise your knick-knacks into boxes ad keep them out of sight with a bed skirting.
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds April 2014 | Property
Shopping for your Home Loan, what you need to ask? by Boidus Admin
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 and 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, commercial 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.
Make sure you obtain 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 adjustable-rate 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 transaction, settlement, and closing costs. 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. Bank charges are listed in the comparator ranging from 1% -1.2 % of the loan amount. • Ask what each fee includes. Several items may be lumped into one fee. • Ask for an explanation of any fee you do not understand.
Deposit and Private Mortgage Insurance
Some lenders require 20 percent of the home’s purchase price as a deposit payment or borrowers contribution. However, many lenders now offer loans that require less than 20 deposit, sometimes 100% funding. 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 deposit, including what you need to do to verify that funds for your deposit are available. 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
ECO-INSULATION TESTIMONIALS The demand for electricity or gas usage has reached its peak thus price increase. In today’s times of rapidly rising energy costs it pays now more than ever to insulate and make your home an energy saving home. Eco-Insulation offers Ultimate Climate Control. It creates an eco-friendly, fire-safe and non-toxic barrier that assist in controlling the temperature in the building all year round. Insulate your home above the ceiling, under the floor or even inside the walls, to keep cool in summer, warm in winter and save energy, which means savings in your pocket. For many years insulation in Botswana has been seen as a luxury or not needed when building houses. With the extreme summer heat a house that is not insulated will be extremely hot in summer and very cold in winter. The heat from the sun builds up in the roof space and with no thermal barrier between the ceiling and the rooms of the house below the heat pours into the building. By installing a thermal barrier on top of the ceiling most of that heat is stopped from entering the building, therefore the rooms below are naturally cooler (up to 10 degrees C) without having to use electricity and money to cool them. In the winter the warm air on the building is trapped inside, it cannot escape from the room through the ceiling, so the rooms stay warmer. By using Eco-Insulation up to 91% of the heat flow coming into the building from the roof in summer is reduced and up to 93% of the heat flow going out in winter is reduced. Enjoy living more comfortably in your home and save money with Eco-Insulation. Here is what the experienced customer says:
“I have used the product, it is good. Definitely cooler in summer and warm in winter, indoor air quality and comfort is better. The reduction of energy consumption is presumed to be better but not measured. The product was neat and tidy finished.” - Mr Blair Hammond Another customers says
“I used roof insulation from Eco-insulation. It was my first time using the product, and they gave a good service. The product adapts to weather changes, when it is hot the house is cooler and when cold the house is warm.” - Thato Modisenyane, FNB.
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Boidus Feature Page 13
Find a Mortgage that works for you by Boidus Admin
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.
CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
LENDER
SCHEME TYPE
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
MAXIMUM LOAN TO VALUE
YOUR NET INCOME MONTHLY REPAYMENT
LOAD 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 (see website for more details)
the property financed to be security required
1% of the loan amount.
• 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 (see website for more details)
Based on 2013 Data: Confirm Current Offering with Barclays Bank
P1mill and above is 10.5%
85% on refinancing and equity release, 80% on building
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 BANC ABC
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 (Terms & Conditions Apply )
RTI/ DSR is 40% of Net Free Cash Flow
0% of the purchase or building price
20 years (240 months)
Note: Minimum loan amount - P100, 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 BOTSWANA BUILDING SOCIETY [BBS]
Based on 2013 Data: Confirm Current Offering with Barclays Bank
BANK GABORONE
MORTGAGE LOANS This is when the borrower applies for a loan to develop or extend an existing property.
10.80% Variable Rate Mortgage
To confirm with Bank
25% of their monthly gross earnings
To confirm with Bank
11.35% Floating Rate Mortgage
30 years for individual borrowers
To confirm with Bank
5% of the price in excess of P20 000.
5 years for companies
Security Documents • Copy of title deed/deed of transfer, agreement of lease • Bills of quantities • Structural survey report where applicable • Valuation report • Approved building plan by Council, building permit and 3 quotations • Offer of purchase or deed of sale (see website for more details)
There are various types of loans that the Society may consider: Free Hold Land Financing, Ordinary Loan, Building Loan, Commercial Loan, Industrial Loan, Equity-Further Advance, Mortgage Requirements The maximum loan any borrower may qualify for depends mainly on three factors: (1) Borrowers gross income / (2) The assessed value of property to be purchased or developed / (3) The age of the applicant MOSASANA HOMELOANS We offer competitive financing options to help you own the home that will suit your particular circumstances. Finance is offered in selected areas
Variable Prime linked (9.00% pa) We price for risk with each deal assessed in its own merit
90% of the Open Market Value or the Purchase Price or building price whichever is the lesser
50% of individual or joint net monthly income
Min-10%
maximum 25 years
fixed property
0.56% of loan amount
• Title Deed • Deed of purchase • Valuation report (not more than 2 years old) • Building loan documentation (e.g.. approved building plans, building permit. Three building quotes, bill of quantities, soil analysis report • Architect and Engineer and Contractor’s profile, etc) • House-owners and mortgage insurance cover is compulsory (see website for more details)
Vacant land Bank Gaborone also offers financing for the purchase of vacant land at 75% of the open market value or purchase price, 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 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.
To confirm with Bank
90% of the Open Market Value of the property, or of the purchase price
45% of your net income and / or other income (individual / joint)
minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price
maximum loan period is 25 years
10% deposit
• Transfer duty • Surveyor’s fees • Architect’s fees • Valuation fees • Arrangement fees/bank charges (1.08% 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)
• Formal 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 • (see website for more details)
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. Contact: 0800 600 675 | +267 3618071 3618464 | botswanacustomercarecentre@stanbic.com NDB
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. Equity Release also available to attain additional income through existing properties
Prime to Prime plus 2.5% depending on loan amount.
100 % Including Transfer Duties, Fees And Vat
60% of the client’s gross income.
0% of the purchase or building price
(floating)
25 yrs Maximum ad loan must be settled before age 65 for individuals
the property financed to be security required
Minimum loan fee is P600 and maximum 1.5% of loan amount
15 years for companies
• 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 and Individuals can be offered property purchase and property development for office space, Commerce and retail space, Industrial space and commercial residential space. Contact: PALAPYE (T: +267 492 0552 / F: +267 492 0551) FRANCISTOWN (T: +267 241 6044 / F: +267 241 6065) MAUN (T: +267 686 0316 / F: +267 686 0645) GABORONE (T: +267 395 2801 / F: +267 397 4446); Website: http://www.ndb.bw/ STANDARD CHARTERED
HOME LOANS • Purchase for self occupancy • Investment property • Refinance • Construction loans • Debt consolidation • Renovation/extensions
All loans are pegged to the prime lending rate
85%
Min income: P3000.00 net
• Mandatory SCB account • Other sources of income: 10% commission and 40% rental earned in an SCB account Contact: For more information, Please call: 361 5800
To confirm with Bank
25 years
Bond registered in favour of the Bank
0.75% of loan or minimum 900 +VAT
• Identity document • Payslip • Proof of residence • Offer letter • Valuation report
Education Local News Page 14
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Built Environment Programmes currently offered at Ba-Isago University College by Boidus Admin
CERTIFICATE IN REAL ESTATE (CRC) Programme Objectives Certificate in Real Estate is designed for pre-service and in-service candidates already in employment in the real estate industry, who are keen to acquire knowledge and skills in order to acquire formal qualifications. Practicing individuals, from both private and public sectors, will merge the practical knowledge they have gathered with up-to-date global trends in the Real Estate Industry. Knowledge gained will enhance productivity and professionalism, and allow graduates to gain recognition from the Real Estate Institute of Botswana (REIB),
DIPLOMA IN REAL ESTATE as per the Real Estate Professional Act of 2003. The programmes act as a foundation and entry level qualification. Career Opportunities Upon completion, graduates will be able to work competently in the real estate Industry as: • Property Valuers • Facilities Managers • Property Managers • Real Estate Agents Programme Duration The programme is divided into two semesters which start in January and July each year.
The programme is designed to enhance the competencies and upgrade the knowledge of Property Managers; Owners; Consultants and Practitioners. Changes in socioeconomic and political environment make it essential for Real Estate Practitioners to stay abreast with developments in the property industry, specifically relating to marketing, laws, social dynamics planning and development, property management, financing, and investments. At the end of this programme, participants will have an extensive overview of the real estate industry and be knowledgeable in real estate laws and regulations.
Entry Requirements 1.1 Candidates must have obtained at least four (4) credits at BGCSE (or equivalent) including a pass in English language OR 1.2 Candidates must have successfully completed the Certificate in Real Estate from BA ISAGO or its equivalent OR 1.3 Special entry: Candidates who do not have minimum academic qualifications stated above but have a minimum of three years uninterrupted work experience in any real estate industry or related fields will be considered. 1.4 All pre-service applicants must successfully complete the BA ISAGO six month Foundation/Access/Bridging Courses. Career Opportunities • Real Estate Agent • Facilities Manager • Estate Manager • Real Estate Auctioneer
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE IN REAL ESTATE Programme Objectives Real estate is increasingly becoming an established discipline in Botswana, as infrastructural development progressively becomes a national priority. However training in real estate in Botswana has not had the attention it deserves to match the skills requirements of developments in the sector. This Degree programme is designed to respond to this need. The Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Real Estate is conferred upon a student who successfully completes 31 modules and a compulsory project in the final year. The Degree will provide an opportunity to undertake complementary modules that are relevant in every work environment along with studies in real estate making the graduate highly flexible in terms of placement in the 21st Century work environment. Career Opportunities • Property Valuer • Property Auctioneer • Property Developer • Facilities Manager • Estate Agent
• Estates Officer • Property Manager • Real Estate Consultant • Educator
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN QUANTITY SURVEYING Programme Objectives The Bachelor Of Science Degree in Quantity Surveying is designed to cover a whole range of skills and knowledge that modern quantity surveyors require to perform their work efficiently and effectively. All the basic skills of the quantity surveyor in commercial management of construction, quantification & costing of construction works, procurement & tendering, construction technology, contract administration & practice and project final control and reporting are dealt with in sufficient detail to meet the required competency levels of students and ensure they are employable graduates. Entry Requirements Candidates must have obtained at least five (5) Credits at BGCSE (or equivalent) including a pass in English language, Mathematics & Physics. Special Entry: Candidates who do not have the minimum academic qualifications stated above but have five years relevant work experience in a related field, will be considered upon satisfying the requirements of the Academic Affairs Board that might include an entrance interview. Career Opportunities • Construction Project Manager • Project Consultant • Project Contractor
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Education Page 15
Ba-Isago University Pioneering New Frontiers in Botswana’s Built Environment Education by Kibo Kgowi
“The needs analysis we do for each programme is very thorough. We will not offer courses unless the key industry people have told us that there is a need,” says Kishun. “We know from industry players that there is a big need for QS professionals. The government has stopped sending people outside to study QS so we’re confident there’s a gap we can fill by training QS students locally. Government already recognises the need for these professionals they have assisted us by providing bursaries for our students.”
Also in the pipeline are programmes in landscape architecture. The landscaping programme – which will be offered as a certificate, a diploma and a degree – is at an advanced stage and will soon be submitted to the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) for approval. In explaining the rationale behind introducing a landscaping programme Dr Kishun enthuses “Local people need to appreciate and realise that you can have gardens in the city. While it requires a lot of effort, suchinas the use to oftransgrey water, it’s possible to have beautiful Today marks an important chapter our effort and productive gardens form the concept of ‘office’ or ‘work’ in our city. It’s a jour- in the city.” ney that started 12 months ago with a bit of travel to The institution’s ambitions are not confined to more developed cities to benchmark and ensureBuilt thatEnvironment our the academic programmes they offer. The College has plans product is to international standard.
to extend its infrastructure development. Plans for six-storey academic complex buildings and a sporting facility have been We are a coworking office space. The question then is approved for the campus of BA ISAGO. Dr Kishun what is coworking and why do we believe our Gaborone city is is hopeful that the bulk of these structures will be constructed ready for it? within a year and is confident that these will house the addi-
BA ISAGO University College is a relatively young institution in Botswana’s varied tertiary education sector. The College was established in 2001 making 2014 its thirteenth in existence. As a growing private tertiary institution, the leadership understood and appreciated the stiff competition from the more established institutions, offering traditional programmes and the needs of the future economy of the country. In this context the College adopted a strategy is to innovate and venture into areas not yet explored by other education centres in the country. “The future needs of the Botswana’s economy are changing,” President of BA ISAGO, Dr Roshen Kishun, told Boidus Focus in an exclusive interview. “What this economy needs in the future is not the traditional careers such as teachers and nurses; these are still important but the country moving into a different phase, away from being dependent on diamonds, into creating new enterprises and where knowledge workers are needed. So you don’t want to train people to continue doing what they have been doing in the past.” BA ISAGO has three campuses in Gaborone, Maun and Francistown. The College comprises of four academic faculties including the Faculty of Commerce, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Law & Paralegal Studies and the Faculty of the Built Environment, Arts and Sciences. The institution also runs courses at the Serowe College of Education where they have introduced an important new programme the ‘Bachelor of
tionalsolution laboratories and Coworking is an innovative office tailored forother facilities that will make both the and upcoming freelancers, small businesses existing and startups, to form aprogrammes a success. community of professionals that work from the same “Thekey focus is clearare andtothe growth plan is there,” Kishun says place with shared facilities. Their objectives assuredly. “The government of Botswana is quite clear that establish professional relationships, cut operating costs when we train they should be able to get jobs abroad Education in Early Childhood Development’. and broaden More general interesting business knowledge and people skills. The so while priority colis to fill the gaps in industry here at home though are the programmes they are result offering is ainkind theirofBuilt workEnvienvironment that our is inspiring, weone’s keep professional in mind that dewe are a regional institution. We strive to ronment Arts and Sciences Faculty. BA laborative ISAGO emerged with potential as the to grow first institution to offer professional programmes produce graduates not just for Botswana but for the southern velopment. in real estate, offering a certificate, a diploma and a degree in the discipline.
African region as a whole.”
I have been a freelancer for the past twelve years. I know Dr Kishun emphasised the fact that the theadvantages introduction ofdisadvantages each and of being an indepennew programme is informed by a dent thorough needs analysis professional. The fact that you don’t have a proper carried out through consultation withprofessional the industry professionstructure means you lose out on ever growals who will ultimately hire the institution’s graduates. RealIcowork esing corporate trends. will therefore fill that gap
tate emerged as a particular avenue as of you interest continue because to workthe for yourself but not by yourself. profession has long struggled with people operating as real estate agents, informally without the Oneproper of our services qualifications. is that we will have monthly business Real Estate is offered on both a full-time talks where and part-time we network basis in a casual setting and discuss through evening classes to accommodate various those corealready issues that active affect small business such as tax, in the industry. financial planning, and business development. In July this year the College will introduce The world a is collaborating degree pro-more than ever before. Amergramme in Quantity Surveying, another ica, Europe, first in Botswana, and Asia are and big on coworking spaces. Africa likewise this programme introductionhas wasbeen informed slow but by industry there has been an upsurge in recent research: years in South Africa, East and North African countries.
‘
This is due to the increasing complexity of city econo-
The needs analysis wemies do and for the each recent economic downturn which led to programme is very thorough such and thatcreativity to remain relevant. more innovation we can’t offer a course unless the key industry people have told us that there The knowledge economy and smart cities that we all wish to attain do not just come about because of fancy is a need, says Kishun
’
buildings and infrastructure, but rather by creative and innovative city residents who choose to push boundaries and solve the ever complex challenges of the city. Management of Icowork has decided to go where the world is going and we believe our city is ready given the good
Advertorial Page 16
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Sunshine Insurance offers comprehensive solutions
Sunshine Insurance Company Of Botswana (Pty) Ltd is a duly registered non-bank financial service provider. It is an emerging privately owned company which strives to bring on board optional service standards, improved efficiency and enhanced customer service.
Richard Inambao, General Manager, Sunshine Insurance
Overview of Sunshine Insurance Company The company strives to conduct business in good faith and with integrity, fairness, honesty and in a transparent manner. Key services offered by Sunshine Insurance Company of Botswana (Pty) Ltd. Insurance is a principle which works on the law of large numbers and spread of risks. Sunshine Insurance is well supported by good reinsurance programmes locally and internationally, in compliance with NBFIRA regulations and guidelines. The Company is duly authorized by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) to deal with all short term insurance products and service to the general public and all entities. A brief outline of products offered is as hereunder.
Weston T. Nende, Finance Manager, Sunshine Insurance
Domestic covers
Special covers
• Motor Insurance (all type) • Houseowners (residential houses) • Householders (contents)
• Contract bonds • Marine and aviation • Electronic equipment
Commercial (Business) covers
We pride ourselves of the following:
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Motor vehicles of all classes Fire and allied perils Business interruption (loss of profits) Burglary Plate glass Business all risks Money Fidelity guarantees Goods in transit Workers compensation Employer’s liability Public liability
Engineering covers • • • •
Contractor’s all risks Plant all risks Machinery breakdown Electronic equipment
• Shortest turnaround period in claims settlement. • Least possible time in issuance and provision of quotations, policy documents and endorsements. • We also boost of extensive knowledge about the local economy. Our decision making process is so swift hence we transact business within the shortest possible turnaround period. This is a package which gives us a competitive edge and differentiates us from other players in the insurance sector.
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Editor’s Note / Guest Opinion Page 17
Welcoming Sophie Lalonde to Boidus Focus and Four Reasons Why 2014 might just be a good year. by H. Killion Mokwete, RIBA Chartered Architect Boidus Media is this month welcoming an Art Expert, Gallery Owner and Artist to its guest editorial space. The critical importance of art in the built environment is unquestionable. In fact some of the finest works of architecture take direct inspiration from art. Historically art was inseparable from architecture. The works of the Churches of Florence and Venice by masters of art such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were all taking influence from the art movement of the time which dominated the public discourse. We therefore recognise the value that art can add to our built environment and therefore Sophie will not only bring her expertise as an expert in the history of art but also as a collector and curator through her commercial Gallery at the prestigious iTowers in Gaborone’s rising CBD. We invite our readers to engage with her writings on Boidus Focus and also to visit her gallery, Sophie Lalonde Art, to view contemporary art. IMPORTANT ACT CHANGES SHOULD MAKE OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT BETTER: As it turns out, the year 2014 might just be a good year for the broader part of the built environment. There is a flurry of activity in Parliament with a host of Act amendments which overall should help improve aspects of our built environment. Some of these legal amendments to watch out for include the following;
Architects Registration: What is at stake? by HK Mokwete
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 07
This free-for-all scenario has meant that the unsuspecting public has been left exposed to fraudulent elements which see architecture as an opportunity to make a quick profit. With no protection, the public has in return failed to recognise the critical role that architects play in society. Because there are no ethics enforceable by law, the architecture profession has struggled over the years to rid itself of undesirable elements that have developed expertise on winning tenders in spite of possessing none of the necessary skills and knowledge. The regulation of architects will mean that a comprehensive register of all architects practicing in Botswana will be kept and continuously reviewed and updated. Anyone seeking the services of an architect will be able to choose from the list and as such have a place to lodge a formal complaint should they feel aggrieved by the conduct and/ or services issued by the architect. This way, the consumers and the professionals will be able to maintain a healthy relationship based on openness and trust. Accessible service and complaint channels As a profession with varying potential projects and scopes, architecture always relies on a relative pricing model for its services. As such, the pricing of work and the expected standard deliverables of a typical stage of architectural
work will be clearly defined. Consumers will be able to access publicly available information on what scales architects use to charge fees, such that the dreaded practice of under cutting can be easily detected. The regulation of architects will include ethics and a code of conduct which will bind all registered architects. Where there are proven cases of misrepresentation or transgression of the professional ethics, the Board will be mandated to investigate and prosecute accordingly. Promotion of good standards in Education and professional practice A profession is as much defined by the image it presents as by its standards in practice. Architects undertake a long and expensive education path which when left ungoverned can be reduced to a mockery and benefit institutions rather than students, the public and the consumer. Part of the key component of a regulated architecture profession will be its promotion of high quality education and also promotion of good professional practice which will include guidelines on Continual Professional Development (CPD). Quality assurance of education especially across all schools where architects are trained will also mean quality assurance of graduates will be of our own making rather than the current inherited mixed bag of professionals trained across the world.
BOIDUS TEAM
• Married Persons Property Bill, passed into law on April 2, 2014: The Act will allow a person, whether married before or after the commencement of the union, to apply if they so wish, to the High Court for leave to change the property regime which applies to his or her marriage. Contrary to the old Act, the new Act will also see the introduction of a form as proof of an out of community of property regime for those persons whose properties are not subject to customary law. • Architects Registration (Amendment) Bill: If the amendment is passed in parliament the Architects Registration Council will finally receive the financial support it needs to put the final pieces of the registration of architects in place. This will mark a major milestone in the professionalising of the industry. We also await finalisation of the Construction Industry Regulation Bill. • Property Transfer Duty for First Time Home buyers: Pronounced by Minister of Finance and Development Planning Hon Kenneth Matambo in his budget speech, first time buyers will soon be exempt from Transfer Duty which should be good news to those seeking to take their first step onto the property ladder. • Planning Tribunals and New Development Control Code: The Town and Country Planning Act has long been revised and a New development Control code is now in place. This means new building regulations and a new planning application system and structure will be put in place. The constitution of the Planning Tribunals will put the final piece in place which will see a radical departure from the old planning control systems. MANAGING EDITOR
SALES
GUEST COLUMNISTS
H. Killion Mokwete DESIGN
Tebogo Sekwenyane Thabo Sarona
Bridget T. MacKean
DISTRIBUTION
Euan Massey Jan Wareus Keshia Mogopa Othata Batsetswe Phenyo Motlhagodi Sophie Lalonde
JOURNALISM
Kibo Ngowi Keeletsang P. Dipheko
Martha Rooi ACCOUNTS
Ngwewabo Mokwete
Virgin Galactic Spaceport [fosterandpartners.com]
Find Boidus on:
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS FOCUS
SUBSCRIBE NOW to Botswana’s
BUILT ENVIRONMENT N E W S P A P E R
To get your copy delivered to your door, send your details to:
KILLION [GABORONE]
t +267 75505291 e killion@boidus.co.bw
WADA [FRANCISTOWN]
t +267 71480679 e mail@boidus.co.bw London Routemaster Bus [fosterandpartners.com]
Professional Practice Page 18
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
BUILDING NORTH OF THE BORDER: What developers and contractors need to know about their rights when it comes to building in parts of the continent outside Botswana by Euan Massey – MDA Abdulla Consulting (Pty) Limited
The applicable law is the law which is applied to the interpretation of the contract and the rights and obligations contained therein. It is always advisable when contracting in another country, or with a party from another jurisdiction, to agree on an applicable law with which you are familiar. There is a tendency to automatically choose the law of Botswana when contracting in another country, or with a party from another jurisdiction, but often this is not acceptable to the other party. This leads to the option to either accept the other party’s proposed applicable law or to propose a “neutral” applicable law. Accepting a law with which you are unfamiliar can have disastrous consequences. For example choosing French law, or a derivative of French law (such as the law of Mauritius), as the applicable law may have unintended consequences for at least one of the parties. The Napoleonic code introduces decennial liability into construction contracts which is effectively a 10-year warranty period over the works furnished by the contractor.
With the present economic growth and extensive opportunities in Africa, many developers, contractors and consultants are finding work outside of Botswana. Contracting in another country other than the one where you are resident brings with it a host of potential issues from taxes and customs to the impact of local employment legislation. In this article Euan Massey takes a broader look at the various laws which impact on your rights when contracting in another African country. Contracts, and the rights and obligations which flow from them are influenced by four potential areas of law. These are the law applicable to the contract (or governing law), the law of the courts which have jurisdiction over the contract, the mandatory law and the law of the arbitration agreement (if applicable). Considering these four potential areas it is quite possible to have a contract between a Botswana developer and a Brazilian contractor for the construction of a new development in Angola where the applicable law is that of Portugal, it is agreed that the Swiss courts have jurisdiction, the mandatory law is that of Angola and the law of the arbitration agreement is Swiss. This potential minefield introduces a myriad of rights and obligations and requires extensive consideration before diving headlong into a new contract.
Outside of having knowledge of the applicable law, it is usually advisable to select the law of one of the common law countries (on the basis that these laws will share common characteristics as ours). Countries like South Africa and Namibia have legal systems and laws similar to ours. “Neutral” jurisdictions such as England also provide well-recognised laws and a familiar legal system. The issue of jurisdiction is vitally important. A number of jurisdictions present logistical challenges and legal hurdles when it comes to enforcing your rights under a contract. Even though you might agree to arbitration, you may still require the assistance of the courts to enforce your rights. An excellent example of this is where the parties to a building contract agree to refer disputes, in the first instance, to adjudication. No country in Africa has introduced a statutory adjudication system which allows for adjudicator decisions to be enforced through the courts. Despite this, the South African courts have illustrated a robust willingness to enforce adjudicator decisions on the basis of the parties’ contractual agreement (see Stefanutti Stocks v S8 Property [2013] ZAGPJHC 249). There is no similar certainty that a court in another country will enforce adjudicator decisions on the same basis, particularly in civil jurisdictions such as Angola. Again if you are unable to
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS HERE AND REACH YOUR
CUSTOMERS Construction Industry Architecture Built Environment Arts & Culture Property Investment
agree to the jurisdiction of the Botswana courts then it is advisable to consider agreeing to submit to a “neutral” jurisdiction such as that of England and Wales. The mandatory law is the law where the works are to be executed. No matter what you agree in your contract, you are unlikely to avoid the obligation to comply with mandatory law. The mandatory law includes the laws relating to employment, health and safety and the environment. With most African economies becoming more sophisticated it is imperative for the mandatory law to be understood before concluding the contract. The law of the arbitration agreement is the law which is applied to the arbitration process. In Botswana this law would be the Arbitration Act [Chapter 06:01]. This piece of legislation, like many others in Africa, has fallen behind modern developments in international arbitration. The upshot of this outdated legislation is that it may allow the local courts to interfere extensively in the arbitration process and may limit the parties’ rights to interim and conservatory measures, thereby blunting the effectiveness of the agreed arbitration process. Where contracting outside of Botswana, parties should consider agreeing to an arbitration law which is likely to assist the arbitration process. Good options here include Mauritius (which has recently opened a satellite court of the London Court of International Arbitration) and England and Wales. When contracting internationally, arbitration is still the “only game in town”. Despite the process being expensive and time consuming, the New York Convention ensures that the holder of an arbitration award can enforce such award in countries who are signatories to such convention. It is therefore important to ensure that the party with whom you are contracting is a signatory to the New York Convention. Notable omissions include Angola and Swaziland. The full list of contracting states can be found at http://www.newyorkconvention.org/ contracting-states/list-of-contracting-states. If the parties to an arbitration agreement do not expressly agree the law of the arbitration agreement then there are a number of possibilities which could apply. A court may decide that the law of the arbitration agreement is the same as the applicable law (Sonatrach Petroleum v Ferrell International [2002] 1 All ER (Comm) 627) or the law of the arbitration agreement may be the seat of the arbitration (Dubai Islamic Bank v Paymentech 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 65). It is therefore recommended that this be dealt with in the arbitration clause. As is clear from this article, the legal considerations to be taken account of when contracting in Africa, as with any other country internationally, are vast and should not be lightly considered.
CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM TODAY:
KILLION
[SALES & EDITORIAL] t +267 75505291 e killion@boidus.co.bw
TEBOGO [SALES]
t +267 71392831 e tebogo@boidus.co.bw
THABO [SALES]
t +267 71501301 e thabo@boidus.co.bw Find Boidus on:
Boidus Pty. Ltd. | P.O. Box 50097, Gaborone | mail@boidus.co.bw
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Advertising Page 19
Advertorial Page 20
BOIDUS FOCUS April 2014
Specialists in LED LIGHTS and ENERGY SAVING LAMPS ED LIGHTS is not only a highly exclusive, designer inspired, modern lighting distributor it is also a phenomenon in Botswana. Our ever expanding product range provides lighting solutions to most sectors and is popular in homes, offices, retail spaces, manufacturing and hospitality environments across the country. Our range of light fittings represents the most unique style available globally with ingenious innovative ideas to save energy. Quality and safety requirements are enshrined in the ethics codes of ED LIGHTS. We ensure our customers receive the best by complying with world class quality and safety standards.
Unit 10, Western Industrial Estate BDC Complex, Block 3 Industrial, Gaborone Tel: 391 3506 | Fax: 391 3864 Email: info@edlights.co.bw
www.edlights.co.bw
OPEN ON SUNDAYS
All light fittings carry a
one year warranty.
Suppliers of: Architectural, Commercial, Domestic and Industrial Lighting Services offered: Lighting Layouts & Designs, Technical Expertise, and Lighting Consulting
Crystal Chandelier Lights | Modern Kitchen Lights | Driveway Lights | Garden Lights | LED Strip Lights | Living Room Lights