BDC resuscitates Lobatse Clay Works
Botswana Development Corporation ( BDC), the government investment arm, plans to re- open the Lobatse Clay Works ( LCW) by mid next year, Managing Director, Cross Kgosidiile has disclosed.
LCW, is a specialised bricks manufacturing and related products plant based in Lobatse. The plant halted production four years ago after experiencing operational and market challenges.
Briefing the media recently, Kgosidiile said they are opening the plant again as they believe once operational, it will benefit Lobatse economy, which has been struggling for years. Acting Chief Investment Officer, Tshepo Lemo, told Botswana Guardian that, BDC has injected ‘ sizeable amount of funds’ into LCW, with the aim of resuscitating it. The funds will be used for the purchasing of new equipment as well as refurbishing some of the previous ones. BDC has not sought any technical or equity partners for reopening of the plant.
Lemo further explained that for LCW to operate sustainably and profitably, there is need to focus on cutting operational expenses, mostly energy, as well as using modern technologies in all production processes. “That’s when it ( LCW) can compete well in the market,” said Lemo. LCW competes in the cutthroat bricks and related products sector, and is forced to cope with imported products. The plant is expected to employ around 600 people, but the number could go high at full capacity.