HOUSING BHC: Collective collaboration to achieve a comprehensive housing strategy

Since its inception, the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) has been taking strategic strides to fulfil its mandate of providing housing, offices, and building needs to the government and all of its clients. To keep up with the ever-changing nature of the housing space, BHC has been participating in forums that foster connectivity and collaboration opportunities at home and in other nations.

Recently, the Corporation was a pivotal stakeholder at the Ministry of Transport and Public Works 2023 Housing Pitso hosted in league with the private sector. The Pitso was themed “Affordable and Sustainable Housing for All: A Collaborative Approach with the Private Sector.”

The Pitso was officially opened by the State President Dr Mokgweetsi

Eric K Masisi and attended, among other dignitaries, by the Minister of Transport and Public Works Eric Molale, the BHC Board Chairperson, Moemedi Gabana, the BHC Acting CEO, Nkaelang Matenge, and Director of UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa, Oumar Syllas.

In opening the Pitso, President Masisi said access to adequate housing was integral to an inclusive society and sustainable settlements that Botswana aspires to achieve as espoused in the 2036 National Vision.

The president noted that the Pitso was to find ways to utilise capacity in the private sector to solve the housing shortage.

“The private sector is a crucial partner without which the goal of providing adequate housing to Batswana cannot be achieved.” “The development of housing estates countrywide attests to the business community’s important role,” said Masisi.

On his part, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Eric Molale, said his ministry’s strategic plan objectives entail quality of life, safety, equal opportunity, policy and legislation, innovation and research, and strategic partnerships.

Molale said the theme of the Pitso was relevant as a house is an investment; it enhances family safety, is a value chain driver, is a nation builder, and touches the basic principle of value addition in economic growth.

The minister indicated that after the Pitso, his ministry was going to finalise the Draft Housing policy as well as present other housing recommendations to the office of the President for consideration.

Moemedi Gabana, Botswana Housing

Corporation Board Chairperson, said collaboration was the ultimate platform through which the Corporation can conceive and implement a comprehensive housing strategy.

“Forums such as this one are a great opportunity to dialogue, share experiences, and identify solutions that can better be tailor-made to suit the needs of our people,” said Gabbana, adding, “It is important that we find solutions that are appropriate to our nation and the region.”

Since 2012, Botswana Housing Corporation has delivered a total of 6,762 houses to low-income households, while an additional 687 were delivered to public officers through the Turn Key Development Scheme. From 2017, a total of 3,835 units were delivered under the Destitute Housing Programme. 7,745 houses had been improved under the Home Improvement Scheme since 2008.