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SPEDU signs Platjan Bridge contracts

SPEDU signed off the Platjan Bridge Project contracts with Estate Construction and Wellfield Engineering last week in Selebi Phikwe.
 

The construction of the bridge is meant to ease movement across the borders on both sides of the Limpopo River that constitute points of entry between Botswana and South Africa. The contract sum for the project is P104, 547,735.72 (one hundred and four million, five hundred and fourty seven thousand, seven hundred and thirty five pula, seventy two thebe).


Speaking on behalf the SPEDU Board Chairman, Daniel Mahupela at the signing ceremony, SPEDU’s James Mathokgwane explained that the project was earmarked for commencement in 2014 under the Department of Roads. SPEDU took over the facilitation of the project in April 2016. The ground breaking to mark the commencement of the project is scheduled for June 29, 2017.    


SPEDU Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Mokubung Mokubung stated that the Platjan Bridge construction project is a strategic diversification initiative resulting from a reciprocal bi-lateral agreement between Botswana and South Africa. He explained that under the terms of the bi-literal covenant, Botswana committed to the construction of the bridge across the Limpopo River while the Republic of South Africa agreed to construct the bridge across Notwane River in Botswana. Both bridges are located at International Border Posts and are meant to ease travel both ways between the two countries.


Mokubung said the project entails the construction of an eight meter high, 155 meter long and 12.5 meters wide dual carriage structure with culverts and gabions on both the South African and Botswana sides. It also entails tarmac feeder roads of 500 meter and 200 meter length connecting the bridge on the South African and Botswana sides respectively.


The CEO noted that they conducted the SPEDU Regional Tourism Study which served as a business case justification of the need to enhance ease of access into the SPEDU Region through physical and virtual networks. He said the study recommended the construction of the Platjan Bridge as a catalyst to tourism investment and growth.


He said that Selebi Phikwe usually lose out on business opportunities as a result of tourists by-passing the town since they enter the region largely through Martins Drift Border Post. The bridge will therefore see Selebi Phikwe have business opportunities like accommodation and tourist spending for hotel and hospitality enterprises operating in the town.


The bridge will also serve to link the various tourism clusters in the SPEDU Region Tourism Cluster Corridor which  include Tuli Block, the Selebi Phikwe Tourism Cluster, the Tswapong Hills Tourism cluster as well as Dam tourism cluster comprising the trilogy of dam based tourism attractions of Letsibogo, Dikgathong and Thune Dams. It will also de-congest the busy Martin Drift Border Post thus contributing to business and tourism travel efficiency among other benefits.


Mokubung added that the strategic importance of the construction of the bridge is not strictly limited to enhanced tourism sector development as the bridge will support further development of the agro-business sector in the Tuli Block Area. He said commercial horticulture at Talana Farms and the planned Thune Dam Irrigation Scheme Project which lie between the Platjan Bridge and Selebi Phikwe will also benefit in terms of cost and time efficiency in the transportation of perishable goods and production inputs into and out of either side of the bridge.


Mokubung said there is need to invest in further support projects such as an upgraded commercial border post on the Botswana and South African sides of the bridge, an upgrade to bitumised standard of the 27km connecting road between the bridge, Mathathane, and Lekkerport Junction as well as provision of enhanced mobile and internet communication infrastructure in the Tuli Block within the environs of the Platjan Bridge.


He says these upgrades are necessary to maximise the economic benefit flows from the project, explaining that in conjunction with other stakeholders, they are proactively looking into the ways and means of bringing these strategic ideals to fruition as part and parcel of the Revitalisation Strategy of the SPEDU Region.


He described the construction of the bridge as a milestone for SPEDU. “The occasion of the signing of the contract between SPEDU and the contractors for the construction and supervision services of the Platjan Bridge project represents an important milestone in the over-arching economic diversification and regeneration initiative in the SPEDU Region,” he said.    


The Deputy Board Chairman of SPEDU, Ronald Yane commended the European Union for supporting the Government of Botswana. The Platjan Bridge Project is funded under the Sysmin Re-Employment Account (REA). The REA is a repository of funds accumulated from cumulative loan and principal repayment on a facility extended by the European Union (EU) to the Government of Botswana under the Economic Diversification of Mining Sector (EDMS) project. Yane said EU continues to assist Botswana Government by funding SPEDU projects towards diversification of the economy.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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