PPC Botswana aims for net- zero emissions by 2050
Smart cities unlock economic opportunities, create employment
PPC Botswana is capable of being a driver in building green cities as the entity has done in the setting up of infrastructure, says the company’s Head of Business Unit Tuelo Botlhole.
Speaking at the PPC MasterClass on decarbonisation and building smart cities in Gaborone this week, Botlhole noted that research shows that a smart city’s main strategic element is sustainability “to look for participation drivers, create better consumption habits and better energy management, and use renewable energies for the preservation of natural resources and environmental care.”
He confirmed that PPC Botswana has endorsed the development of smart cities in Botswana and has worked on a development strategy. Botlhole noted that PPC Botswana has also worked on a strategic approach plan because PPC Botswana recognises the global threat of climate change and that is why decarbonisation is a priority.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and committed to participating in the collective actions needed to address the key barriers to decarbonisation. “Our ambition is to achieve net- zero emissions by 2050. Our commitment to this ambition is evident from the way our board and executive team remained focused on developing our climate change strategy over the past period.” Botlhole also stated that smarter cities can alleviate Botswana’s urban challenges by delivering a higher quality of life and enabling economic growth through technology, and creative thinking.
“As PPC Botswana, part of our strategy is to increase distribution reach in remote areas and use environmentallyfriendly products in manufacturing which will drive growth in the long term. Besides, the long- term vision of using green fuels and being carbon negative too bodes well for growth,” he said. He stated that Botswana stands to gain a strong position within Africa and the world as a ‘ Smart Society’ mentioning that this will result in improved quality of life for Batswana, business opportunities, and a governance model that engages better to serve Batswana.
PPC Botswana has previously played a role in building some of the iconic structures in the country such as the Mohembo bridge, Boatle Game City Road, iTowers and Obed Itani Chilume stadium. Botswana government is currently working on developing Francistown and Maun into smart cities, and Botlhole said that this is a strategic move that would possibly unlock new value frontiers in these two places; the economy would boom and there will be a lot of employment opportunities.