P35 Million mall for Hukuntsi

MPHO MOKWAPE
Correspondent | Monday August 5, 2013 00:00

 

The project, called Macheng Mall, will comprise a 16-chalet lodge, a conference facility, restaurant, supermarket, commercial bank and other valuable spaces. It is expected to take 12 months to build.Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony recently, Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe said the project is bound to contribute towards the country's efforts to develop, nurture and sustain critical sectors such as tourism and hospitality, retail, banking and energy.

Kedikilwe stressed that the project comes at a time when government is implementing the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) initiative that aims at diversifying the country's resources for economic growth.'The development of Macheng centre is at the heart of the economic diversification initiative which has been, and remains at the centre of the government development agenda and that government is appreciative of relentless efforts to develop the economy through economic diversification and employment creation,' he said. Kedikilwe said locating the commercial facility in Hukuntsi was a significant step in bolstering government's commitment to rural development and to raise living standards in rural areas.

He emphasized that the project is a win-win partnership that would benefit both the owner and the community pointing out that Kgalagadi has been widely acknowledged as a destination of choice for farmers with the passion for small stock rearing.'The opening of such a commercial centre, will provide a lucrative market for framers with excellent infrastructure and global connectivity going forward with Hukuntsi as a preferred location for global business activities,' said Kedikilwe

For his part, the co-owner of AT& T Monnakgotla Transport Abel Monnakgotla said the project is expected to create 200 jobs upon completion, noting that it might as well cost over P35 million when combined with the lodge.He said the project was borne out of the realisation that Hukuntsi was a growing area though it lacked facilities like banking which has residents travelling from as far away as Jwaneng to access the services. 'Not only is the project going to create employment for residents during construction but also upon completion,' he said.