Defence ministry to tackle BDF housing crisis
For years, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has been faced with an acute shortage of accommodation for its personnel. To this day, the crisis remains a concern. However, the Defence ministry has vowed to unlock the housing problem.
To mitigate the problem, the ministry has identified procurement of multi-residential facilities from private entities and owners as a viable option. On Friday, the Minister of Defence and Security Kagiso Mmusi officially handed over a total of 113 housing units to the BDF at Sarona City in Block 10, Gaborone which is expected to enhance cohesion, easy command and control and operational readiness.
During the handing over, Mmusi said the shortage of accommodation in the BDF had been a persistent challenge for several years and the scarcity has not only likely had an impact on the morale of members of the BDF but also posed challenges to operational efficiency.
“Procuring these accommodation facilities will in the long run likely reduce exorbitant rental costs. The completion of the project comes at a time I had made it one of my key priorities to adequately resource the BDF to enhance staff accommodation.
This is a priority area which I have categorically emphasised to the leadership of my ministry as well as Botswana in general through Parliament,” Mmusi said.
Mmusi further stated that there would be more procurement of multi-residential facilities from private entities and owners to reduce increased rental costs in the future under the transitional development plan.
“As a step in the right direction and in our endeavour to address the 16% BDF housing shortfall, we have procured housing units in Sarona City comprising nine one-bedroom, 84 two-bedroom, 17 three-bedroom, and three four-bedroom units. These units will undoubtedly go a long way in alleviating the accommodation shortage as well as boosting the morale of our men and women in uniform,” he said.
Furthermore, Mmusi stated that he was happy to note that the housing units in that facility would offer integrated living for members of the BDF and offer them some much-needed contemporary housing options.
He added that sustainability should be a key ideal in the purchasing and provision of adequate accommodation for members of the BDF and expects that through regular maintenance of the property, they can ensure that the houses remain in good shape.
“I want to urge all those who will be allocated accommodation here to take care of the units and ensure that maintenance is periodically undertaken. Concerted efforts in maintenance and upkeep will result in us achieving sustainable housing for
BDF members for many years to come,” Mmusi said. For his part, the BDF commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo stated that housing as a morale component in the defence capability provides a platform from which members lodged and eventually mobilised into an operation, thus housing is a defence readiness issue and not just ‘boroko’.
“It comes as a relief and appreciation that in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative effects on the economy, government through the national transfor mation plan, Reset Agenda and its five national priority areas could still prioritise accommodation for soldiers and afford BDF members these 113 units at a cost of approximately P123 million,” Segokgo said. He stated that the units would provide a supporting platform primarily for ground forces command stationed at Glen Valley Barracks. He further expressed hope that those who reside in the multi-residential will do their utmost to take care of the facilities and maintain their appearance and appeal.
“The ripple effect of taking care of these units will reduce our maintenance budget as well as prolong the life of the facility,” Segokgo said.
“I want to urge all those who will be allocated accommodation here to take care of the units and ensure that maintenance is periodically undertaken