Mmegi

FAR Property to add Gumare project to portfolio

- PAULINE DIKUELO Staff Writer

The FAR Property Company (FPC) says it anticipate­s to complete its Gumare retail developmen­t and Hospital Way Day Clinic this year.

The company’s director, Ramachandr­an Ottapathu said the two projects pose better rental yields that will contribute to the group’s portfolio. “We are seriously considerin­g investing in properties with better and stable yields,” Ottapathu said when presenting the group’s financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2020.

The Gumare retail developmen­t and Hospital Way Day Clinic will cost P20 million.

The Botswana Stock Exchange listed property investment and real estate firm currently has portfolio value of P1.3 billion of which 53% is industrial, 37% commercial while 10% is residentia­l all backed by long term leases.

“About 78 % are national and internatio­nal brands and retailers, local tenants with establishe­d businesses, 19% is local tenants and medium sized business, three percent is new start-up companies and small business operations,” Ottapathu added.

However, FAR stated there are no plans for regional expansion. The latest results showed the group has recorded a 15% increase in profit before tax of P59.9 million compared to P47.9 million that was recorded in December 2019 on the correspond­ing period.

According to the directors, the company, whose properties have a wide geopolitic­al spread in Botswana and South Africa, is backed by long-term leases. The majority of its properties are located in urban and semi-urban areas.

Far Property was formed in June 2010 after the founders realised the need to establish a portfolio of companies that could answer the property requiremen­ts of the Choppies Group.n 2019.

 ?? PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG ?? Ramachandr­an Ottapathu
PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG Ramachandr­an Ottapathu
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