The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has issued a directive to ban the importation of bottled natural and mineral water, a statement issued by the ministry said this week.
Peggy Serame, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry on Thursday said through the statement that the government had imposed restrictions on the importation of bottled natural and mineral water through the Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act.
Serame said the implementation of the regulations would promote the competitiveness and sustainability of domestic water bottling sector.The move is also intended to stimulate investment in the sector, which would, in turn, lead to job creation and poverty reduction.
Botswana pays a high import bill for consumables, especially from neighbouring South Africa.
Sources: Botswana Business weekly
