The ground-breaking ceremony for the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) (BIUST) was done in May this year. Chen said the project experienced a serous shortage of Chinese foremen, which delayed things by three months. Chinese Civil Construction, the company in charge of the project, had planned to engage the services of 45 Chinese foremen but so far only 16 have been recruited. Chen said if they are unable to get all the 45 Chinese foremen, they will resort to hiring locals.
However, the site manager was confident that the project will be completed as scheduled in September 2010. He said he has enough machinery and a committed workforce to do the job. He said his men are working day and night to beat the deadline.
So far work has started on the staff houses, administration block and library. The company has created employment for 180 locals who are mainly employed as unskilled labourers. However, the company anticipates increasing the number of employees to 450 when brick works begin. The company intends to hire local sub-contractors, bricklayers and carpenters. The project has provided a lucrative market for Makoro Bricks, a local brick moulding company.
