BHC holds Media Workshop
The media should start projecting owning a home as an important social and economic indicator as well as a symbol of having a stake in society and contributing to the stability of the community says Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake.
Speaking at a media workshop organised by Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), he said if the media does not advance such causes, many Batswana would be left behind and government’s efforts would not reach desired levels.
He indicated that the majority of government resources are channeled to the low income housing programme to cater for the needy, the elderly and the youth.
“Housing provision remains a great challenge due to the growing demand coupled with insufficient resources to produce the requisite housing units,” he said.
Minister Mokalake said the media’s role in promoting home ownership is unparalleled.
“The media can help government disseminate its policies and strategic proposals and also help government understand what people think on issues relating to accommodation and home ownership,” he said, adding that housing promotes dignity and improves the quality of life of those who access it.
“Issues related to accessing land, land management and housing should be well communicated to people,” he said.
He further said it is in this regard that the workshop was organized for the media as an important stakeholder to acquire and accumulate knowledge on issues surrounding the property market for onward dissemination of such information.
Minister Mokalake stated that households with modest means need suitable and safe housing that they can afford, adding that when housing is affordable, middle-to-income families are able to put food on the table, receive necessary medical care and provide reliable daycare for their children.
He said research worldwide has shown that the stability of an affordable mortgage or rent can have profound effects on childhood development and school performance and can improve health outcomes for families and individuals.
“The development of affordable housing consequently increases spending and employment in the economy and acts as an important source of revenue for local governments and reduces the likelihood of foreclosure and its associated costs,” said Mr Mokalake.
He said government is putting in place some initiatives to facilitate first time home buyers, especially to make it easy for the youth to access housing.
“This is being done after it was realised that buying a home is typically the largest and most complicated financial commitment most households ever make,” he concluded.
BHC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Reginald Motswaiso said people have a fundamental right to being informed about home ownership, and as such the media plays an important role in that aspect.
“Issues of property development and investment are important to Botswana’s socio-economy,” Mr Motswaiso said.
He indicated that the corporation has had a few challenges in delivering their mandate but they are doing all they can to achieve it.
“We are currently looking at plots all over the country and trying to source for funds to continue building houses for Batswana,” he said.
Mr Motswaiso said consumer education in home ownership is very important so that people can have access to tools to empower themselves.
