CONCOR and Excavator Hire Joint Venture win Francistown Oil Depot Expansion project

Estimated 200 people will be employed at end of construction

The combined capacity of all Botswana government fuel storages currently stands at 62 million litres which translates to 18 days’ cover - a far cry from the World Bank’s recommended 90 days’ cover for landlocked countries.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi said this in his keynote address which was read by his Permanent Secretary Nchena Mothebe at the Francistown Depot Expansion Project Groundbreaking ceremony at the Dumela Industrial area.

“My government has resolved to embark on various projects in a quest to increase the national storage holding to at least 60 days’ cover. Other such projects or initiatives include the Tshele Hills Depot and Ghanzi Depot,” he stated.

He added that the Francistown Depot Expansion Project will add 60milion litres to the current 38 million litre depot to bring the depot’s capacity to 98 million litres.

Moagi said that will be achieved through the addition of four ( 4) large 15 million litre tanks and addition of loading and off loading rail and road facilities over the next 18 months.

The Minister confirmed that the contract has been awarded to CONCOR and Excavator Hire Joint Venture following a public tender.

“I have been informed that the Joint Venture conforms to the requirement that, 40percent of the value of the works should be reserved for the citizen companies.

“In all our projects as the government, and by extension our companies and parastatals, we are committed to work with communities where the projects are located as part of our social investment into the community.

“We have impressed this upon our contractor, and I am pleased to announce that, the contractor has already engaged 26 people from the community.

“By the end of the project, an estimated 200 people would have been hired through the life cycle of the project construction,” the Minister announced.

Moagi observed that with a projected increase in fuel consumption, and, in a quest to increase the country’s strategic fuel reserve, Government has found it fitting to expand the Francistown Depot.

He said the project is in line with government strategic policy frameworks for ensuring security of supply and efficient distribution of petroleum products in the country.

He said that with a projected increase in fuel consumption, government has found it fitting to expand the Francistown depot.

Moagi added that fuel is the mainstay of the economy as it is used in mining operations, various activities including transportation, manufacturing, power generation, water treatment among other activities.

“It is therefore imperative that government plays an active role in ensuring the security of this strategic commodity in the country.”