BR unveils ambitious growth plans
Friday, August 22, 2014
Steven Makuke
Speaking during his presentation at the Francistown Investment Forum (FIF2014), which was held from August 19 to 21 at Adansonia Hotel under the theme, ‘City of Francistown: An Investment Centre of Vibrancy by 2022 - A Step Forward Top Your Investment.’ the BR Business Development Director Stephen Makuke revealed that they have several prospective investments plans they believe will contribute to Francistown’s economic growth. He said these plans would also contribute to the city attaining its Vision 2022, which is aimed at transforming Francistown into an economic hub.
Apart from plans to resume operation of the passenger train, BR is planning a railway shopping centre, a tourist train to Kasane, en-route the Mosetse and Kazungula line and another up-class tourist train called City of Francistown on Wheels. Makuke highlighted that there are endless opportunities and BR is prepared to jump on board and assist where possible to develop the northern area. He, however, said patience would be necessary as the Kazungula railway line would take about five years to complete.
While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...