Botswana�s annual steel import bill at P775m
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Pula Steel and government officials at the launch of the plant
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.
Whilst the project received mixed reactions from members of the public, the project is indeed a welcome development, which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Many shared their opinion, with those against the project decrying that if implemented, it will kill the already struggling public transport industry.Many countries around the world have state-run public transport, and those who have travelled to such countries will give testimony...