Reality of accommodation shortage in Jwaneng

Jwaneng mine is a magnet for job seekers from all over the country
Jwaneng mine is a magnet for job seekers from all over the country

JWANENG: Life is tough in this small mining town. With thousands of people especially the youth thronging the town every year to seek employment, which is hardly there, the consequence of shortage of accommodation is a living reality. This has in-turn inspired landlords to increase rentals recklessly.

Many contractors flock to Jwaneng under Debswana sub-contracts and eventually secure accommodation for their employees at higher prices, leaving ordinary residents in the lurch. Jwaneng Mine is the largest employer in the town.

The Monitor visited one yard in Unit 6 where a three-bedroomed house has accommodated eight families which included minor children. The sitting room is divided into two with a board to accommodate two families, while patio was also secured as a room with a board covering both sides. A small kitchen which opens at the back was also turned into a room for another tenant. The movement in the house is unbearable and never mind the privacy. Shima Moabi, who occupied the patio revealed that accommodation in Jwaneng is a problem and he opted to live uncomfortably than to pay P3,500 for a servant’s quarters. He said he was paying P500 excluding water bills and living with such a large number of people is a challenge.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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