BOPEU Spends Over P12 Million For Ftown Regional Headquarters

475,Correspondent,, | Saturday May 7, 2016 00:00

Bought at P3, 8 million two years ago, BOPEU and their investment company Babereki Investments have now moved quickly to start the construction works that are expected to be completed by July this year. The building is undoubtedly one of the most spacious and will boast among others, a gym-room, and will also provide free wi-fi, not only for the occupants, but also for the members of the public who will be within the vicinity of the premises, according to BOPEU President Andrew Motsamai.

“The provision of free wi-fi for BOPEU members and members of the public in general is our contribution to making modern communication affordable to both our members, as well as young people who might need free wi-fi as internet, especially as through mobile phones it can be quite costly”, enthused Motsamai.

The BOPEU president also hoped the newly refurbished offices will give the Francistown Industrial some breath of fresh air, thanks to the aesthetics to be brought by the BOPEU structure. Amongst others, the BOPEU regional headquarters structure will also have a garden where events can be hosted, but Motsamai also added that the garden has to stand out with its aesthetics.

BOPEU handed over their Francistown Regional office site to project manager Walker Lebuletswe of Stocker Sleepwood-Bird (Pty) Ltd for renovations in a development that marked the beginning of a journey towards establishing the union’s home in the country’s second largest city.

Situated at the Francistown Light Industrial site, just opposite CTM Tiles along Sam Nujoma Road, the new offices will serve as the regional office for the better part of the northern Botswana at large.

The trade union has been renting from one property to the other – a development that the union leadership has found it improper to be an itinerant. The Motsamai-led organisation found it imperative to find a place that the union will call home for a long time. And to achieve such a milestone, BOPEU decided to purchase the property worth P6.5million.

“It is a worthwhile investment for a union of BOPEU’s calibre,” said an ecstatic Motsamai, just after touring the building that measures 300 by 100 square metres and perfectly situated at an accessible area.

Over and above the modernised physical structures, Motsamai revealed that the national vice General Secretary will be based in Francistown alongside the regional chairperson – a development that will result in an expedited attendance to workers’ grievances.