BERA HOLDS SUCCESSFUL RETREAT
Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) held a successful two-day retreat for its employees in Kasane earlier this month.
The gathering’s primary purpose was for BERA to review the progress on its five-year strategic plan, which was originally implemented in 2017. Established with the mandate of regulating energy in Botswana, the Authority has made great strides since opening its doors in September 2017. Speaking at the retreat, BERA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rose Nunu Seretse stressed the importance for regulated entities to comply with the law, adding compliance is crucial to the country’s economic wellbeing. Seretse revealed BERA uncovered a number of noncompliance issues during their inspections.
“We picked issues like illegal exportation of fuel, lack of quality assurance systems and lack of environmental adherence. The routine and spot check inspection is what we do on a regular basis and we expect the industry players to co-operate with the authority in this regard. “What is pleasing to note is that there has not been much resistance in complying with the requirements of BERA by our regulated entities,” she said. For his part, the event’s Guest Speaker, Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Machana Ronald Shamukuni noted it is in the government’s best interests to ensure energy supplies are cleaner, secure and sustainable. “They [government] should also ensure that energy services are accessible, reliable and affordable to all Batswana,” he said. Turning his attention to BERA, Shamukuni added, “The expectation is that you transform energy regulation in this country therefore I urge you to use this retreat to devise a relevant and robust corporate strategy that will drive the current government priorities and strategically position Botswana energy regulation and sector as a leader in the region as well as serving the public interest.”