Copper production expected to kick-start growth

SDV Botswana has just
completed major renovations
to its warehouse, extending it
to 1500 sqm.
And while the upgrade was only
completed in October, the space
has already been filled to nearcapacity.
According to John Masterten-
Smith, general manager of SDV
Botswana, two newly signed
contracts have had a major impact
on the business.
He said while volumes had not
been as high as expected they
were definitely up on the same
time last year.
“There are some projects under
way in the country that will see
volumes increase. A big concern
though is that there is just not
enough work for everyone at
present as business has been
hard-hit by the global economic
meltdown and now there is talk of
yet another recession on the way.”
Masterten-Smith said the
logistics industry in Botswana
was currently proving to be a
competitive environment due to
this. “It is not easy at present and
people are pulling out all the stops
to remain competitive and in the
game.”
He said the outlook for 2012
was more positive though with
volumes expected to increase as
copper mines were taking off in
the country along with several
other major construction projects.