Mayors Forum boosts Sowa's SEZ credibility
The Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) this week ramped up efforts to fast-track development of the Sowa Town Special Economic Zone (SEZ), during the sixth Mayors Forum meeting at the mining town. Sowa Town was chosen as the host for the sixth Mayors Forum after parliament approved its declaration as SEZ in August 2019. The Authority has themed the SEZ as a salt & soda city and zoned it as a chemical manufacturing hub because of its abundant sodium resources.
According to SEZA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lonely Mogara, 59.8 hectors have been reserved for Sowa Town, where the abundant deposits of salt and soda ash will be beneficiated to produce dye, coarse and fine salt as well as chemical grade coarse salt, which can be used in the manufacture of poly vinyl chloride. When giving updates on developments, Francistown Mayor, Godisang Radisigo, who is also Chairman of the Mayors Forum, revealed that a feasibility study has commenced for development of the Sowa Town, which will inform the business activities to be carried out at the SEZ.
He however lamented the fact that the roll out of the SEZ program was lagging behind and called all members to intensify their lobbying and advocacy efforts. “We need working SEZS in our localities as they are key to alleviating high unemployment rates and improving the quality of life in our communities,” he said. SEZA recognizes local authorities as critical partners in the delivery of its mandate as they play a vital role in infrastructure development. “Local authorities approve applications for planning, building and occupation permits. They also grant approvals for industrial licenses for manufacturing companies. It is not in doubt that a good working relationship with local authorities is the special ingredient required for the efficient facilitation of SEZ investors,” said Mogara.
The key objective of the Mayor’s Forum is to generate dialogue on how best SEZs can be jointly implemented efficiently and effectively. To achieve an inclusive SEZ ring-fencing reform, SEZA has partnered with local authorities through cities, towns and district councils to ensure free flow of information and collaboration. “In the end, the Mayor’s Forum is expected to harness efficiency and competitiveness of businesses operating within the SEZs,” said Mogara.