Botswana�s annual steel import bill at P775m

Pula Steel and government officials at the launch of the plant
Pula Steel and government officials at the launch of the plant

SELEBI-PHIKWE: Botswana steel import bill stands at P775 million annually but the establishment of the Pula Steel Manufacturing and Casting Plant will reduce the need to buy from outside, Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Officially launching the factory here yesterday, Masisi said local steel demand last year was met primarily by South Africa and China.

He said steel was a basic commodity required by any developing economy for infrastructural developments, mines and construction. According to international trade statistics, SADC imported P36 billion worth of steel in 2014 and the local demand amounted to P775 million.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up