FRANCISTOWN URGED TO POSITION ITSELF FOR MINING AND TRANSPORT Debswana managing director, Mr Balisi Bonyongo says there is need for Francistown to position itself as a potential hub for growth in the minerals sector. Speaking at the recent investment forum in Francistown, Mr Bonyongo said apart from Francistown being a gateway to other countries in the north, there was a rich tradition of major mining in the same region hence a potential for mining tourism as the city was linked to other major centres such as Orapa and Selebi Phikwe. He noted that the next frontier for growth in the minerals sector was coal, and similar to diamonds, sustainable growth could be supported by the establishment of a hub with critical mass. He explained that Botswana was sitting on coal resources estimated at over 200 billion tonnes, 45 billion at reserves but commercial opportunities were limited by the lack of freight and logistics infrastructure. Therefore, he said Francistown could position itself to become a hub of growth by availing infrastructure. The chief executive officer of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, Mr Charles Siwawa said there was a lot of mining activities taking place in the eastern and northern part of the country and therefore Francistown faces competition from Palapye and Selibe Phikwe. Mr Siwawa said for Francistown to become a mining supplies and logistics hub the business community should ensure they serve the mining industry with electrical, mechanical and even services. Mr Siwawa said some of the advantages of having a hub in Francistown include efficiency in the mining sector leading to higher productivity, generation of employment, creation of small and medium enterprises to service the industry and contribute to the GDP of the country. He noted that a recent study of 13 items consumed by five mines were in excess of P1.1 billion of goods annually. The director of business development of Botswana Railways, Mr Stephen Makuke said with the anticipated construction of the railway line between Mosetse and Kazungula, the private sector in Francistown should consider manufacturing supplies needed. Mr Makuke further implored the private sector in Francistown to strategically position itself as Botswana Railways was also planning to introduce a tourist train to Kasane, construct a shopping centre similar or better than Rail Park in Gaborone and reintroduce the passenger train. The Francistown forum was themed ‘City of Francistown: An investment centre of choice by 2022- A step forward to your investment’ (BOPA)
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 07:39:37 +0000
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