Gaborone inches towards Diamond City dream

Kgomotso Molelekeng
Correspondent | Friday May 10, 2013 00:00

 

The availability of suitably executive accommodation is one of many concerns raised by city fathers and other stakeholders such as BOCCIM in the ongoing relocation of diamond activities. Other concerns are the lack of a world-class transport system, public infrastructure, entertainment and lifestyle facilities and other modern conveniences associated with diamond cities such as Brussels and Tel Aviv.

Last week, Batshu said the new P125 million Louie Ville Horizons development was a step in the right direction in terms of diamond relocation-related accommodation. A local company, Distant Horizons, is behind the construction of the 200 units.'This (the relocation) brings to us the challenge of making available housing units of high value, which are safe and secure to provide accommodation for executive officers of these (diamond) businesses,' he said at the development's handover ceremony.'Louie Ville Horizons provides an accommodation opportunity for the relocated employees of high value investment.'

Batshu added that the existence of the housing units would stimulate the development of more high quality housing in the area, with an emphasis on maintaining safety and security.The minister however noted that while government had tackled the city's accommodation needs through the Botswana Housing Corporation, Self Help Housing Agency (SHAA) and allocation of plots, these efforts had fallen short. 'We need more and more private sector investors to close the gap that exists in the housing sector of the economy,' he said.'Government has for long been encouraging the private sector to take part in provision of housing for both purchase and rented accommodation.'It is encouraging that the private sector continues to take initiatives to invest in housing development.'

Batshu said shortage of land for housing continued throughout the country and were beginning to manifest in villages by way of inadequate accommodation.'This challenge of scarcity of land confirms the need for encouragement of development of multi-residential housing units in both urban centres and villages,' he said.'Under NDP 10, government made a commitment to encourage the development of high density housing units with a purpose to provide for the ever increasing urban population.'The problem of shortage of housing is also beginning to show up in villages due to shortage of land for individual housing development'.

According to the Louie Ville Horizons developers, the units feature 'a classic yet modern look, a newer design, better finishes and more open spaces'.'This new multi dwelling secure enclosed estate consists of 200 dwelling units of which 72 are well planned spacious apartments while the balance 128 are the popular and much sought after townhouses,' a website notice from Distant Horizon reads.'Thus it is no surprise that investors and home owners have already garnered a major share of this project with more than 75 percent of the project being grabbed up in less than a month of the pre-launch curtain raiser.'These amazing sales reinforce and underline the strong support and faith that our past clients and general public place in us.'