18 February 2025
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government has set aside a budget allocation of P194 million for social housing projects. During the budget presentation last week, Finance Minister and Vice President (VP), Ndaba Gaolathe, emphasised that the money will cater for the housing projects namely ,the Bonno Housing Scheme, Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme (Revamping), Public Officers Housing Scheme (for officers on D4 Salary Scale and below) and District Housing.
“The government of Botswana reaffirms its commitment to ensuring access to shelter as a fundamental human right. The government is reimagining the current low-income housing programme to de-stigmatise and align it with national priorities.
The reimagined programme will reflect the government’s focus on inclusivity and its commitment to providing dignified living conditions for Batswana.
Additionally, the programme will be revamped to modernise housing designs, ensuring they align with current trends and best practices in the housing sector,” Gaolathe said in his maiden budget speech.
Gaolathe said in addition, the Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) is preparing to launch a proof-of-concept designed to give opportunity to an ordinary Motswana who owns land but lacks the means to develop it. He added that this initiative forms part of their broader commitment to construct 100, 000 housing units within the New Government’s five-year term, ensuring that more citizens have access to quality housing. Gaolathe’s announcement did not come as a surprise because the UDC had indicated in their 2024 elections manifesto that it would develop policies and comprehensive schemes for affordable housing.
In their housing pledge, the UDC promised to ensure ownership and finance for first-time buyers/developers at fixed interest rates, making homeownership more accessible to all. In its pillar three on land, housing, environment, climate change, and green economy, the UDC pointed out that it will also use the private sector and brigades to improve housing schemes in villages and towns by erecting at least 100, 000 houses within the five years in government.
“From the security guard to the roadside vendor, the bus conductor, the herder, and the overburdened breadwinner, it opens doors to home ownership that once seemed out of reach.
Through this initiative, they can secure a loan, attract a reliable tenant, access professional construction services, and eventually own a valuable asset. At its heart, this programme reflects a deeper philosophy; that every individual, no matter their situation in life, deserves the dignity of a home and the opportunity to build a future.
By removing barriers to housing, this government seeks to turn dreams into reality, creating a society where hope is not a privilege but a shared promise,” Gaolathe told Parliament last Monday.
Gaolathe was adding on what Boko said last year during the SONA. Boko said then they would lay the foundation for an affordable housing initiative by mapping housing needs, identifying sites, and commencing pilot projects in urban and rural areas. Boko highlighted that his government would launch a comprehensive national housing programme focused on affordable housing for all. He said they would achieve this by working with local developers and international partners to construct housing that meets the needs of low and middle-income families.
“Economic reforms must go hand-in-hand with social development. A nation cannot thrive when its people lack access to safe and affordable housing.
The absence of a coordinated housing strategy has left many Batswana without stable homes, exacerbating inequality and stifling economic mobility,” Boko told Parliament in November.
Boko indicated then that his regime would revitalise rural areas by ensuring that housing programmes are not limited to urban centres but extend to rural communities, fostering balanced national development.
“Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head – it is a foundation for opportunity. It provides stability for families, boosts productivity, and stimulates local economies.
A strong housing programme will also create jobs in construction, finance, and related industries, driving immediate and long-term growth,” Boko further emphasised.
The leader of the tri-party coalition said they would also work on attracting investment and improving housing. He said by creating a legal environment that encourages investment, they will unlock the resources needed to fund large-scale development projects, including housing.
“Likewise, a robust housing sector provides the stability and infrastructure that investors seek when deciding where to place their capital. Botswana’s transformation requires bold, coordinated action.
Legal reforms will lay the groundwork for economic expansion, while a national housing programme will ensure that the benefits of growth reach every citizen.
Together, these initiatives will not only transform our economy but also uplift the lives of our people, restoring pride and dignity to our nation,” Boko noted.
He disclosed that they will launch the National Social Housing Strategy to address both housing shortages and youth unemployment. Boko, who has inherited a government where the unemployment rate is high, emphasised that this initiative will employ thousands of young people in the construction sector while providing the much-needed affordable housing to citizens.
Source: https://rb.gy/3qvg07
