25 Mar 2025

Botswana Railways (BR) Properties has 49 residential staff houses in Gaborone as of March 20, 2025, with occupancy rate standing at 90 percent. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae revealed this on Monday in Parliament. He said the 10 per cent vacancy rate was primarily attributed to staff relocations. Minister Salakae further said that BR Properties was responsible for the maintenance of staff housing. He said while rental rates remained stagnant, the expenses associated with labour and materials for property upkeep increased significantly, placing a financial strain on BR. Mr Salakae cited that for instance, the cost of a typical service call, which included inspection, quotation, and replacement of a lockset, amounted to P600 when performed by grade OC citizen contractors. In contrast, he said the rental fee for a two-bedroomed staff house in Gaborone West Phase 1 was previously P244 per month to facilitate cost sharing and alleviate the financial burden on BR Properties. The new rates, he said were considered reasonable as they were below market rates. MP for Selebi-Phikwe West, Mr Reuben Kaizer had asked the minister to apprise Parliament on the staff houses under BR Properties. He also wanted the minister to state the number of residential staff houses in Gaborone and their occupancy rate, and also state the basis for increasing rental fees by over 200 per cent in 2022. ENDS