The government has launched a major push to improve access to affordable and quality housing through the Bonno National Housing Programme, the Minister of Water and Human Settlement Onneetse Ramogapi said earlier this week.
Ramogapi, who was speaking at the stakeholder consultation held in Tlokweng, said the initiative is a response to a growing need for decent housing in both urban and rural areas, adding that consultations are underway to ensure a broad, inclusive implementation strategy. “There is a dire demand in both urban and rural areas for quality accommodation,” said Ramogapi. “The programme will be looking to improve housing without compromising quality.”
He said the programme, which aims to deliver 100,000 housing units over a five-year period, is designed to benefit citizens across income levels through several tailored loan schemes. He stated that the programme features three main components being: Turnkey Development Housing Loan Scheme, Home Improvement Housing Loan Scheme and Poverty Alleviation Housing Loan Scheme.
Ramogapi, who is also the area Member of Parliament (MP) for Palapye, emphasised that the Bonno initiative will cater to both low- and middle-income earners. He explained that individuals earning within the lower-income threshold can now access housing loans ranging from P52,000 to P95,000, while those in the higher-income bracket qualify for assistance between P95,001 and P282,120. “The stakeholder consultative meetings will help shape an implementation strategy that enhances living conditions and broadens access to housing,” he added. The Bonno National Housing Programme is part of Botswana’s broader efforts to ensure that all citizens—regardless of income or location—have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.
