Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Honourable Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, officially opened newly constructed accommodation and ablution facilities at the Special Support Group (SSG) Camp in Gaborone on 8 June 2026, marking a significant step in Botswana’s efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of members of the Botswana Police Service (BPS). The development reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that police officers have access to decent living conditions while carrying out their critical responsibilities of protecting communities and maintaining public safety. The project addresses longstanding accommodation challenges at the camp and demonstrates a people-centred approach to public service infrastructure development.
The newly completed project consists of four prefabricated accommodation blocks and two ablution facilities with a combined capacity to house 368 officers. The facilities were constructed in response to concerns about severe accommodation shortages at the SSG Camp, where some officers had spent years living in tents and other temporary structures. The completion of the project provides much-needed relief to officers who have faced difficult living conditions while serving in one of the most demanding branches of the Botswana Police Service. The new infrastructure is expected to create a more stable and comfortable environment for officers, contributing to improved morale and overall well-being.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Minister Mohwasa emphasized that the project represents far more than the construction of buildings. He described the facilities as a practical demonstration of Government’s commitment to the dignity, welfare and well-being of police officers who dedicate their lives to serving the nation. According to the Minister, the Botswana Police Service plays a vital role in safeguarding peace, security and stability, which are essential foundations for economic growth, national development and social cohesion. He stressed that improving officers’ living conditions directly contributes to stronger performance, increased productivity and enhanced operational readiness.
Minister Mohwasa further noted that accommodation should be regarded not only as a condition of service but also as a fundamental human necessity. He explained that providing suitable housing aligns with Botswana’s broader development agenda, which places citizens and their well-being at the centre of national planning. While acknowledging the continued demand for accommodation within the country’s security services, he reaffirmed Government’s commitment to progressively improving police infrastructure across Botswana. His remarks highlighted the importance of investing in both human resources and physical infrastructure to strengthen public institutions.
Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe, welcomed guests to the ceremony and expressed appreciation to Government for responding decisively to the accommodation challenges faced by SSG officers. She revealed that the project was initiated after a visit to the camp by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and Minister Mohwasa, during which the need for improved living conditions became evident. The visit brought attention to the hardships experienced by officers and ultimately led to swift action from Government. Commissioner Marathe praised the leadership shown in addressing the issue and recognized the importance of the intervention in improving officers’ quality of life.
According to Commissioner Marathe, Government approved P16 million outside the normal budgeting cycle to ensure the project could proceed without delay. She described the decision as bold and visionary, reflecting a strong commitment to the welfare of law enforcement personnel. The allocation demonstrated Government’s willingness to prioritize the needs of officers who serve under demanding conditions. The funding enabled the rapid development of facilities that will have a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of officers stationed at the camp.
The Commissioner also provided insight into the unique responsibilities of the Special Support Group, which operates as a paramilitary branch of the Botswana Police Service. The SSG currently consists of 1,496 officers who are required to live within police camps due to the specialized nature of their duties. Their responsibilities include VIP protection, scuba diving operations, horse riding patrols, city policing, K9 services and Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operations. These demanding assignments require officers to remain readily available, making suitable accommodation within police facilities a critical operational requirement.
Before the completion of the new facilities, the shortage of institutional housing had forced 296 officers to live in compromised accommodation, with some remaining in such conditions for as long as eight years. Commissioner Marathe explained that the situation had placed considerable pressure on officers and highlighted the urgent need for intervention. The newly completed accommodation blocks are expected to significantly reduce overcrowding and improve living standards within the camp. The project therefore represents a major improvement in both welfare and operational efficiency.
The accommodation units were constructed by Express Link (Pty) Ltd at an estimated cost of P16 million. The two ablution facilities were developed using internal expertise with support from the Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Prisons Service. Materials for the ablution blocks cost approximately P1.26 million. This collaborative approach demonstrated the ability of various government institutions to work together in delivering important public infrastructure while maximizing available resources and expertise.
Express Link Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fortune Nyenye expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the project during the handover ceremony. He explained that the company delivered four prefabricated modular polyurethane housing blocks containing a total of 184 rooms within twelve months of signing the contract in February 2025. Mr. Nyenye praised the Government for embracing innovative construction technologies that offer long-term benefits. The project showcased how modern building methods can be used to deliver quality infrastructure efficiently and cost-effectively.
Mr. Nyenye highlighted several advantages of the modular structures, including heat-retardant properties, energy efficiency and significant cost savings. He noted that the construction method provided approximately 30 percent savings compared to conventional building approaches. Additionally, the facilities are expected to have a maintenance-free lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, making them a sustainable investment for the future. These features support Botswana’s efforts to adopt modern infrastructure solutions that deliver value while reducing long-term operational costs.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project also generated employment opportunities for local citizens during the construction phase. Mr. Nyenye stated that the development reflects Express Link’s extensive experience in delivering durable modular infrastructure across Botswana. He described the successful completion of the project as an important milestone in advancing sustainable and modern construction solutions within the country. The achievement demonstrates how innovation can contribute to addressing public sector infrastructure challenges while supporting economic participation among local communities.
During the closing remarks, Minister of International Relations and Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, encouraged officers who will occupy the new facilities to take responsibility for their upkeep. He urged them to preserve the accommodation blocks and ablution facilities as valuable public assets that will serve current and future generations of officers. Dr. Butale also reiterated Government’s appreciation for the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices made daily by members of the Botswana Police Service. His message underscored the importance of maintaining the facilities to ensure they continue delivering benefits for many years.
The opening of the new accommodation and ablution facilities at the Special Support Group Camp represents a major investment in the welfare of Botswana Police Service officers and a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to improving working and living conditions within the security sector. By addressing longstanding accommodation shortages, providing modern housing and embracing innovative construction methods, the project enhances both officer well-being and operational effectiveness. The development not only improves the lives of hundreds of officers but also strengthens the institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. As Botswana continues to invest in people-centred development, projects such as this highlight the importance of supporting those who play a vital role in protecting the nation and ensuring public safety.
