The Residency advances public-private affordable housing model
laone choeunyane | Wednesday February 25, 2026 06:00
Unveiled last week, the project is led by Messidor Investments in partnership with the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), Letsema Property Fund and Botswana Railways. The development is positioned as part of a broader strategy to combine institutional capital, serviced land, and alternative financing structures to expand access to housing.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Water and Human Settlements Onneetse Ramogapi aligned the project with Botswana’s long-term development framework.
“Under Vision 2036, we are building a high-income Botswana, anchored on sustainability and inclusive growth,” he said, adding that National Development Plan 12 emphasises “accountability, partnerships and delivery at scale”.
Framing housing as central to economic development, Ramogapi stressed its broader social and productivity impact.
“Housing is not only a social good; it is an economic enabler. A decent home improves health, learning outcomes and productivity. It lowers household stress and strengthens community safety and cohesion,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment under the Bonno National Housing Programme to “deliver 100,000 housing units within five years,” noting that the target depends on structured private-sector participation, integrated settlement planning, and innovative funding models.
The Residency introduces a rent-to-own structure aimed at middle-income earners who may not qualify for traditional mortgages. “Models that widen access without compromising standards, governance, or investment discipline are exactly what a modern housing system requires,” Ramogapi stated.
The land for the development was acquired in 2021. Messidor Executive Director of Portfolio Management, Una Munamati, explained that “Botswana Railways and the Letsema Property Fund concluded the strategic sale and purchase of this land,” paving the way for the construction of “135 individual residences for families”.
Munamati acknowledged that housing projects face commercial pressures. “Residential housing consistently ranks amongst the lowest income-generating sectors,” she said, underscoring the importance of careful structuring to balance affordability with financial viability.
BPOPF Chairperson Gaone Macholo emphasised the pension fund’s fiduciary duty. “BPOPF safeguards the retirement security of over 130,000 public officers,” she said. “Our investments must generate strong, risk-adjusted returns whilst responding to the realities of our society.”
Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Keoagile Atamelang highlighted the enabling role of infrastructure. “Infrastructure is the economy’s circulatory system,” he noted. “When roads, rail, and drainage function efficiently, time is saved, costs are reduced, and opportunity is expanded.”
As Botswana works towards more integrated and inclusive urban growth, The Residency reflects an evolving approach to housing delivery, one that links policy objectives with institutional investment and structured partnerships.