Botswana mining activity pumps up housing demand

Speedspace Botswana, which supplies temporary mobile accommodation units and custom-converted shipping containers, has expanded its operations for the first time since its launch in Gaborone in the early nineties. According to Kyle Wasserfall, country manager for Speedspace Botswana, a new satellite branch in Lethlakane becomes operational today (March 1). “The opening of this branch is in response to Debswana’s Orapa diamond mine which is expanding its projects,” he said. “The continued growth of the Karowe mine in Lethlakane as well as the renewal and expansion of Khoemecau Copper mine in the Maun region also contributed to the decision.” Wasserfall told FTW these mines and the potential new projects being investigated in the northern part of Botswana offered Speedspace significant opportunity.
“The satellite branch that will be managed by Robert Stroud is ideally situated within 15 to 20km of four diamond mines, three of which are operated by Debswana (Letlhakane, Orapa and Daamtshaa mine).” Just as close is Lucara Diamond’s Karowe diamond mine, where the Lesedi La Rona, the world’s third largest diamond, was found. “This move will a allow us to strategically service the northern half of Botswana far more readily,” said Wasserfall. The company’s reach now extended from Ghanzi, Maun and Kasane in the north to Francistown and Pikwe in the east, and Palapye in the south. “Having stock immediately available in Lethlakane will not only reduce lead times for clients, but on rental units the transport costs will be reduced by up to 70% compared to delivery from our head office in Gaborone,” concluded Wasserfall.