BONNO NATIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMME (BNHP)

 

The Bonno National Housing Programme (BNHP) is an ambitious and strategic initiative designed to address Botswana's housing challenges, promote social equity, and foster economic growth. These implementation guidelines provide a structured framework to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of affordable housing to the citizens of Botswana, in alignment with national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

 

The BNHP encompasses a variety of housing schemes tailored to meet the diverse needs of the population, including: Bonno Home Improvement Loan Scheme, Bonno Turnkey Development Loan Scheme, Bonno D4 Scale and below or Equivalent Housing Loan Scheme and others which are still being revamped.

 

Through these schemes, the BNHP not only provides affordable housing but also empowers citizens with the opportunity for homeownership, contributing to economic empowerment and long-term stability. The program combines financial support with technical guidance, ensuring the delivery of quality housing solutions that support the government's broader goals of social equity, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

 

 

a) To reduce housing shortages and enhance housing security for low- and middle-income households.

 

b) To promote sustainable urbanization and inclusive community development.

 

c) To improve living standards by providing access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.

 

d) To contribute to the achievement of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

 

 

Applicants for the Bonno National Housing Programme must meet the following criteria:

a) Be a citizen of Botswana.

b) Applicants must be aged 18 years and above.

c) Applicants must have an annual income between P4,400.00 and P95,000.00 to qualify for the Bonno Turnkey Development Housing Loan Scheme and the Bonno Home Improvement Loan Scheme. For the Bonno D4 Scale and Below or Equivalent Housing Loan Scheme, the income range is P95,001.00 to P282,120.00. These income brackets are subject to periodic review. Please note that if the applicant is married, the spouse’s income will be taken into account when assessing eligibility.

d) In cases where the applicant has no source of income, a Surety/Guarantor may be appointed. The Surety/Guarantor must earn a minimum of P12,000.00 per annum. This provision applies only to the Bonno low-income housing schemes. 

e) The Surety will be legally responsible for fulfilling the obligations outlined in the agreement of suretyship and will be liable for loan repayment should the applicant default. By signing the agreement, the Surety guarantees that all loan payments will be made on behalf of the applicant.

f) Pensioners aged under 60 years who fall within the specified income brackets are eligible to apply.

g) Self-employed individuals, such as business owners with sustainable businesses, earning within the same income bracket, are also eligible.

h) Farmers who fall within the designated income range are eligible to apply.

i) Contract employees may apply, provided that the length of their contract allows for the repayment period of the loan to be completed within the contract’s duration.

j) Beneficiaries of the Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme (IPAHS) may be considered for a Low-Income Housing loan, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have sustainable earnings.

k) Eligible employees nearing retirement may apply, with the understanding that the remaining loan balance will be deducted from their terminal benefits upon retirement.

l) The applicant must not have benefited from other government schemes, including but not limited to GEMVAS and BHC, anywhere in the country.

 

 

The following are Bonno National Housing Schemes;

 

 

Aimed at completing, improving and renovating existing homes to improve their quality and liveability, thereby reducing the overall housing deficit.

 

 

i. Maximum loan: P 60,000.00. The applicant may apply for a lesser amount depending on the outstanding work.

ii. Maximum Repayment period: 20 years at 0% interest.

iii. Minimum loan instalment is P250.00 per month.

iv. Default penalty: 10% interest on overdue payments.

 

 

The adopted approach is a Design and Build method, where the government, through the Botswana Housing Corporation or private sector, undertakes the responsibility of constructing homes for eligible beneficiaries. To qualify, the beneficiary must own an undeveloped or "virgin" land parcel that meets certain criteria: the plot should be fenced, cleared of vegetation (de-bushed), temporary store-room and connected to a water supply. 

A variety of approved turnkey building plans will be available for applicants to select from. In cases where land has already been identified and new homes are being constructed, these houses will be allocated to eligible citizens through a transparent and fair allocation system.

 

 

i. Loan amount: P 90,000.00.

ii. Maximum Repayment period: 20 years at 0% interest.

iii. Minimum loan instalment is P 375.00 per month

iv. Default penalty: 10% interest on overdue payments

 

 

The scheme is specifically designed to support the working class, targeting individuals earning within the range of the D4 salary scale (from P95,001.00 to P282,120.00). Its primary objective is to facilitate homeownership for this income group. The scheme is inclusive, catering to both public and non-public officers at equivalent levels. It adopts two distinct approaches of Home Improvement and Turnkey, with the overarching goal of promoting homeownership among Batswana who may face difficulties in accessing housing through the conventional open market. Under the turnkey component, applicants may choose from a range of pre-approved house designs offered by the Government, including a bachelor pad, a two-bedroom house, and a three-bedroom house.

 

 

 

i. Maximum loan: P 90,000.00. The applicant may apply for a lesser amount depending on the outstanding work.

ii. Maximum Repayment period: 20 years at 0% interest.

iii. Minimum loan instalment is P375.00 per month.

iv. Default penalty: 10% interest on overdue payments.

v. Total loan repayment is based on the construction cost.

 

 

 

i. Loan amounts available are P 282,000.00, P 325,000.00 and P 491,000.00.

ii. Maximum repayment period: 20 years at 0% interest.

iii. Minimum loan instalments are P1,175.00, P1,354.17 and P2,045.83 (corresponding to above loan amounts)

iv. Default penalty: 10% interest on overdue payments

v. Total loan repayment is based on the construction cost.

 

 

a) Eligible citizens will submit their housing applications through the District Council Offices across the country. The completed application form will be accompanied by the following attachments;

 

i. Legal Proof of Plot Ownership (title deed, customary land grant, lease, COR): Issued by the relevant land authority.

ii. Certified Copy of Omang: A valid certified copy of Omang 

iii. Proof of Source of Income: This includes a pay-slip, or bank statement

iv. Marital Status Documentation: Certified copy of marriage certificate (for married applicants), affidavit (for singles), or decree absolute (for divorcees), Spouse’s consent letter

Bank Statements: Three (3) months’ bank statements for self-employed applicants.

v. Suretorship Requirements: Proof of source of income (pay-slip, or bank statements) and a certified copy of Omang 

vi. Home Improvement Documentation: An approved as-built house plan. 

vii. A variety of approved turnkey building plans will be available for applicants to select from.