Phikwe diversification plan receives shot in the arm

The Selebi-Phikwe Diversification Unit (SPEDU) acting coordinator, Disikalala Gaseitsiwe said the funding has been sourced from EU money meant to finance the mining industry in Botswana. "It was agreed between the government of Botswana and the EU that funding previously provided by the EU as support for the mining industry, notably BCL would be re-circulated and used for diversification projects. "The indicative amount intended to be made available over the next three or four years is approximately P500million," Gaseitsiwe said in a press statement.

The revelation came following a visit to Selebi-Phikwe by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Permanent Secretary, Serwalo Tumelo last week. Tumelo was in Selebi-Phikwe to review progress SPEDU has made.