* Local Batswana Architects to showcase their skills in developing a masterpiece encapsulating the culture and traditions of Batswana
The government has designated land for the construction of the new Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber with all associated procedures expected to be finalised within the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, informed Parliament during the budget approval request session.
He was seeking a total budget allocation of P326.3 million for the Parliament's 2024-2025 Recurrent and Development Budgets, which has since been ratified.
A total sum of P1,100, 000 will be used for Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber project and its associated facilities covering design works. Currently, Ntlo Ya Dikgosi operates under the direct jurisdiction of Parliament.
However, this arrangement may undergo a significant transformation if Parliament approves the recommendation put forth by the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into the Constitution of Botswana.
This recommendation entails enacting a Bill for Ntlo ya Dikgosi to attain independence, with its own Secretariat overseen by an individual holding the position equivalent to that of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The envisaged New Chamber will mark the third venue utilised by Dikgosi since Botswana's independence. The initial structure, situated within the Parliamentary complex, was deemed inadequate in size, prompting the relocation of Dikgosi to the current premises, the former Parliament building, after undergoing renovation.
This relocation followed the construction of the current National Assembly building, which, too, is facing challenges due to its limited space. Morwaeng said Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber project has commenced with benchmarks which were undertaken to South Africa in February 2024. Another benchmark to Ghana is planned for the next financial year.
He said that the actual construction of the Chamber will be undertaken during National Development Plan (NDP) 12.
"It is our wish that as Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber continues with the scoping and design exercise, our local Batswana architects will be provided with an opportunity to showcase their skills in developing a masterpiece which will encapsulate the culture and traditions of Batswana, who we are and what we stand for.
“Our current collaborating partner, that is, Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) is spearheading the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works," Morwaeng said.
Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, informed Parliament during the budget approval request session.
He was seeking a total budget allocation of P326.3 million for the Parliament's 2024-2025 Recurrent and Development Budgets, which has since been ratified.
A total sum of P1,100, 000 will be used for Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber project and its associated facilities covering design works. Currently, Ntlo Ya Dikgosi operates under the direct jurisdiction of Parliament.
However, this arrangement may undergo a significant transformation if Parliament approves the recommendation put forth by the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into the Constitution of Botswana.
This recommendation entails enacting a Bill for Ntlo ya Dikgosi to attain independence, with its own Secretariat overseen by an individual holding the position equivalent to that of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The envisaged New Chamber will mark the third venue utilised by Dikgosi since Botswana's independence. The initial structure, situated within the Parliamentary complex, was deemed inadequate in size, prompting the relocation of Dikgosi to the current premises, the former Parliament building, after undergoing renovation.
This relocation followed the construction of the current National Assembly building, which, too, is facing challenges due to its limited space. Morwaeng said Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber project has commenced with benchmarks which were undertaken to South Africa in February 2024. Another benchmark to Ghana is planned for the next financial year.
He said that the actual construction of the Chamber will be undertaken during National Development Plan (NDP) 12.
"It is our wish that as Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Chamber continues with the scoping and design exercise, our local Batswana architects will be provided with an opportunity to showcase their skills in developing a masterpiece which will encapsulate the culture and traditions of Batswana, who we are and what we stand for.
“Our current collaborating partner, that is, Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) is spearheading the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works," Morwaeng said.
