16 Mar 2025

Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is finalising the  Facilities Management Framework, which will standardise maintenance of government facilities.
Presenting the budget proposals for the ministry in Parliament  recently,  Minister Noah Salakae said quality infrastructure development and maintenance remained a priority.
 He said for the financial year 2025/26, the ministry requested  over P1.9 billion(P1 936 239 760) and P4.3 billion (P4 305 038 600) for the Recurrent and Development Budget respectively to be approved by Parliament.
“We are on track making all efforts to overhaul, modernise and transform our transport infrastructure. The ultimate desire is to help build an economy whose fruits would be cherished by all. An economy that will unlock economic opportunities for both our labour and entrepreneurs,” said Salakae.
He said the committee of supply budget came on the heels of destructive floods that had caused a range of negative impacts including destruction of vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges and buildings among others.
A task team has been appointed to undertake a comprehensive review of the Development Manager (DM) model with a view to determine its viability. Mr Salakae said the expectation was that the task team would make recommendations on how the model was conceptualised and approved and how it was being implemented and coordinated.
“The task force began its assignment in January 2025 and is expected to conclude by the 20th March 2025,” he said.
Mr Salakae said in line with the aspirations of government, the ministry developed a draft Transport Policy aimed at promoting an integrated, sustainable and inclusive transport system. “My Ministry continues to experience challenges of long queues and delays in the delivery of services at the Department of Road Transport Services (DRTS),” said Minister Salakae.
He said the slowness of ICT systems specifically in relation to Driver Licencing, Vehicle Registration Licencing and Transport Permits was mainly because they were operating on outdated platforms and manpower shortage.
The recent rains have left most of the national roads and associated drainage structures damaged.
Therefore, he said as an immediate intervention P2.7 million (P2 700 000) had been disbursed to assist in patching potholes across the country. He said an additional P55 000 000 was required in the short term while the sum of P260 000 000 would be required for a long-term recovery plan.
On the aviation sector, Mr Salakae said efforts were underway to attract long-haul airlines to the country, with the aim of increasing air connectivity as well as efforts to improve safety and security.
 “Following the recent safety developments in the Botswana airspace, there is a noticeable growth in the attraction of regional airlines into the country,” he said.
On rail infrastrucure, he said the ministry remained committed to transforming Botswana’s rail infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s sustainable economic development.
On reinstating the passenegr train that was suspended since March 2020, Minister Salakae said, ‘My Ministry has issued a call for an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify a private partner to operate the passenger train service. We are also working on a concept paper which will give guidance on the best and effective model of running passenger services.”ENDS