UDC Govt.'s bold housing project promises 100,000 plots in two years

The Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Onnetse Ramogapi, has announced a bold plan to allocate 100,000 residential plots across all 61 constituencies within the next two years.

He reiterated that the UDC government was committed to delivering on its electoral promises. This declaration was made during the official launch of the Bonno Target 3000 Housing Development Project in Kgale View, where the minister outlined an expansive vision aimed at tackling the country’s longstanding housing challenges.

Ramogapi said the government is prioritising speed and inclusivity in its efforts to address housing shortages, and has committed to delivering the planned 100,000 houses over a five-year period, beginning with the rollout of residential plots within the next 24 months.

Phase one of the Bonno housing programme, which will account for 61,000 homes, is scheduled to commence in June this year, while phase two is set to launch on the 16th of September.

Speaking to a crowd of stakeholders, developers, and residents, the minister emphasised that the Bonno Housing Scheme is not merely a construction initiative but a comprehensive response to

Botswana’s socio-economic housing needs.

He assured the public that the programme was designed with a strong emphasis on equitable access, targeting various income brackets and social categories, including low- to middle-income earners, informal workers, and vulnerable populations.

He described the project as one of the most inclusive housing schemes in the nation’s history, underscoring its potential to uplift thousands of Batswana who have been waiting for years to own a piece of land or a decent home.

Ramogapi dismissed critics who have questioned the government's capacity and strategy to deliver such an ambitious project, clarifying that the urgency of the housing backlog has compelled the ministry to adopt direct appointment of contractors to speed up delivery.

He insisted that transparency would not be compromised and emphasised that this approach would allow the government to finish the houses as quickly as possible without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

“Everyone is invited to build a new Botswana,” he said, adding that the use of modern building technologies would further enhance the speed and quality of the housing construction.

Addressing concerns around potential corruption in the procurement process, Ramogapi was firm in his assurance that all processes would be monitored closely and that fairness and integrity would be upheld at every stage.

He called on the public to trust in the UDC government’s leadership and vision, noting that his own qualifications, which include a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and two additional degrees, reflect the calibre of leadership entrusted with this vital task.

In a bid to stimulate local employment and ensure fair compensation, Ramogapi revealed that all companies contracted to build under the Bonno scheme would be required to pay workers a minimum wage of P4,000 per month.

He said this measure aligns with the UDC’s broader job creation and poverty alleviation mandate, further demonstrating the integrated nature of the housing programme.

The policy is expected to bring much-needed income security to construction workers while enhancing overall productivity and morale on the ground.

The Bonno Housing Scheme consists of several sub-programmes aimed at meeting diverse needs.

Among these are initiatives for unemployed citizens through the Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme, which supports individuals without formal employment.

Another component, the Social Housing Programme, incorporates Destitute Housing and the Rural Development Programme, both aimed at ensuring that Botswana’s most vulnerable are not left behind.

The Bonno Turnkey Housing Scheme is tailored to individuals earning between P4,400 and P95,000 per annum, while a Home Loan Improvement Scheme under the same umbrella provides support for home renovations and upgrades.

For higher-income earners, the Bonno Housing Support Scheme targets those earning up to P282,120 annually, ensuring middle-income citizens also have access to suitable housing options.

Additionally, the Rent-to-Buy model offered through the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) and private developers provides yet another pathway to home ownership.

Although the broader programme includes District and Institutional Housing, Ramogapi clarified that, at this stage, institutional houses are not being sold to the public.

However, he noted that the ministry is already exploring the development of a new targeted scheme to serve citizens who may fall outside the scope of existing initiatives.

This, he said, was part of the ministry’s broader commitment to leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable housing solutions.

As the launch concluded, Ramogapi urged public servants and ministry staff to work with diligence and dedication to ensure the success of the project.

He said that the UDC government would not rest until the promise of decent and affordable housing for all Batswana was realised.