BCL managing director Montwedi Mphathi has warned the nation against ignoring the mine’s economic contribution as economic diversification wave gathers momentum in the Selebi Phikwe region.
Briefing delegates at the regional economic diversification conference organized by Selebi Phikwe Diversification Unit (SPEDU), Mphathi billed positive contributions the mine has made to the national economy since inception amid financial challenges.
“The town did not exist before the mine,” said Mphathi highlighting the knotted relationship that exist between the mine and town.
Mphathi said the company’s annual expenditure on goods and services sourced local is over 882 million pula annual with electricity being one of the major expenditure.
He further said his company’s operation has also managed to sustain operations of the cash-strapped national rail.
According to Mphathi Botswana Railways (BR) draws approximate 15 million pula annually for transport services provided to BCL.
“You can see why the government has been adamant even when things looked bleak,” he said adding that BCL do not only benefit Selebi Phikwe but the national economy at large.
Apart from expenditures Mphathi also outlined that the company participate in all forums to help guide economic diversification of Selebi Phikwe through providing support to various schools, tarring roads and looking after certain infrastructure.
However he acknowledges support by other players in the diversification of the region. A move expected to drive economic activities in the region as mineral deposits in the town nears depletion.
“We worked in partnership with others to create economic activities. When the credit crunch came, we retrenched, suspended some developments and looked critical at the level of support to offer,” said Mphathi.
“This past year has been a tough one, as the economy looks forward positive growth, we hope to start some of the activities,” he added.
On several occasions government has financial bailed out BCL to the annoyance of some critics.
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BCL appreciate government support ”
[...] in the form of support for venues, concert theatres, and studios. A concerted effort by Regional …Botswana Business Diary BCL appreciate government supportApart from expenditures Mphathi also outlined that the company participate in all forums to help [...]
[...] in the form of support for venues, concert theatres, and studios. A concerted effort by Regional …Botswana Business Diary BCL appreciate government supportApart from expenditures Mphathi also outlined that the company participate in all forums to help [...]
March 5th, 2010 at 6:39 am