Botswana proposes P60 billion to restore public assets
A proposed five-year programme aims to repair schools, roads, and water systems built with diamond wealth.
Botswana is considering a P60 billion programme to restore public assets built with diamond wealth. The proposed "Restoration Botswana" initiative would focus on repairing existing infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, and water systems before commissioning new projects. This plan aims to ensure the nation's mineral inheritance translates into lasting prosperity through functional public services.
The programme suggests an annual allocation of P12 billion over five years, with potential budget scenarios ranging from P40 billion to P90 billion. This initiative addresses the issue of deferred maintenance, which can turn inexpensive repairs into costly rehabilitation projects and lead to premature asset replacement. The current development to asset management spending ratio of 7:1 is seen as a risk to the nation's built assets.
The 2026/27 budget allocated P1.85 billion for maintaining and rehabilitating public assets, falling short of the estimated P10 billion needed annually. A sector-by-sector analysis suggests approximately P7 billion is required to bring public schools to minimum acceptable standards. The proposal advocates for asset management to claim 50% of the development spending envelope, shifting resources from new construction to preserving existing services.
Why it mattersBotswana's public infrastructure, including schools and water systems, faces deterioration due to deferred maintenance, impacting the services they provide.