Ramogapi touts Bonno Housing Programme
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday April 7, 2025 12:31
He explained that Bonno National Housing Programme is closely aligned with Botswana’s national development objectives, particularly those outlined in Vision 2036, the National Development Plan (NDP 11), and the upcoming NDP 12, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 and 11). Ramogapi added that that strategic initiative was designed to address the nation’s housing shortage, promote social equity, and foster economic growth.
“By improving housing security, the programme aims to enhance the living standards of Batswana, reduce financial stress on low-income households (SDG 1: No Poverty), and support sustainable urbanisation with resilient housing solutions and access to basic services (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through these efforts, the Bonno National Housing Programme is poised to make a transformative impact on the lives of many citizens across Botswana,” he said when speaking at the launch of the programme in Gaborone this week.
He further pointed out that the programme goes beyond just building houses, adding that it is about building communities. He said it was also about creating homes that provide a sense of pride and a foundation for the future. The minister also stated that the government was committed to providing Batswana with homes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the nation, while embracing the aspirations of a modern and progressive society.
Therefore, he said, Bonno National Housing Programme is an overarching scheme that ensures delivery of various housing schemes. The schemes include the Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme for no formal employment; Social Housing (Destitute Housing and RDP) for the needy; Bonno Turnkey Housing Scheme between P4, 400 – P95, 000.00pa (P367.00 – P7, 917.00pm); Bonno Home Loan Improvement Scheme - P4, 400 – P95, 000.00pa (P367.00 – P7, 917.00pm); Bonno Housing Support for people under D4 and equivalent salary scheme P95, 001.00 –P282, 120.00pa (P7,917,00 – P23,510.00pm); Rent to Buy (BHC commercial and Private Developers) and lastly District and Institutional Housing (As of now Institutional Houses are not for sale).
He further said going forward, consideration will be made to provide a targeted scheme for those affected to access housing for ownership. Ramogapi also stated that Bonno National Housing Programme aimed to broaden access to housing, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their income levels, could benefit from housing initiatives. He added that a core objective was to provide housing that met modern standards, offering residents a sense of pride and improved quality of life. With the revamped programme, he added that they aim to make housing more appealing, accessible, and affordable to all Batswana, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “While the previous housing programmes were limited to specific income brackets, the Bonno Programme seeks to assist a wider spectrum of citizens, promoting broader inclusivity. Beyond just funding renovations or extensions, the Bonno Programme encompasses the construction of new homes and addressing the housing deficit more holistically. The Bonno Programme is part of a broader strategy that includes revamping the Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme, reflecting a more integrated approach to housing and poverty alleviation,” he said.
Furthermore, Ramogapi pointed out that the scheme also introduced new house designs aimed at improving affordability and functionality for beneficiaries (Bonno Turnkey Development Scheme and Bonno D4 and Equivalent and below) also famed as SHAA. He also said those new house designs were also flexible as they could be easily extended. To increase accessibility and appeal, he said the scheme had been rebranded, making it more attractive to potential beneficiaries.
He explained that the maximum income threshold had been raised from P52,000 to P95,000pa (P4,333.00 to P7,916.00pm), but the loan amount remained at P90,000.00 repayable over 20 years with no interest, except for a 10% penalty interest on defaults. He added that increase allowed beneficiaries to construct more adequate housing units as the income bracket is almost doubled.
Ramogapi also stated that the scheme was specifically designed to support the working class, targeting individuals earning within the range of the D4 salary scale and equivalent. He said its primary objective was to facilitate homeownership for that income group. He added that the scheme is inclusive, catering for Batswana at equivalent to D4 Salary scale down to the top end Bonno Turnkey Housing Scheme.
“It adopts two distinct approaches: Home Improvement and Turnkey, with the overarching goal of promoting homeownership among Batswana who may face difficulties in accessing housing through the conventional open market. This initiative seeks to bridge the housing affordability gap, offering an opportunity for citizens to secure quality housing through a structured and supportive framework,” he said.