PSP Hails Selibe Phikwe Citrus Project

Following engagement with Public Service employees in Selibe Phikwe recently, the Permanent Secretary to the President, Ms Emmah Peloetletse visted the Selibe Phikwe Citrus Farm to appreciate progress made and reiterate Government’s support and commitment in ensuring its successful delivery.

Sharing a word of appreciation, Ms Peloetletse hailed the progress made thus far on the project and reiterated that the partnership resembled a true definition of good policies in Botswana. This, bearing in mind that the project will lead to job creation, value addition as envisaged and contribute immensely to Botswana’s vision of being an export led economy as the high-quality fruits to be harvested will be exported to best markets in the world, thereby gaining foreign direct investment (FDI) . Ms Peloetletse also expressed delight at hearing that there is a proposal to give shares to Mmadinare community thereby making them shareholders of the project.

Addressing the delegates, BITC Chief Executive Officer Mr Keletsositse Olebile highlighted that the project demonstrated the value of partnership between the community and the private sector as the land belongs to Mmadinare Cooperative and has been leased for a period of 50 years. The groundbreaking of the project was done in December 2022 and the Mmadinare cooperative is being paid rent for the land but negotiations are on the table for promoter to secure them a shareholding role in the project.

For his part, the project sponsor Dr. Peter Scholtz informed the delegates that to date 720 hectares has been planted with citrus and are planning to plant 180 hectares by December this year. He cited that the plan is to export 90% of the fruits all over the world which will in-turn bring a lot of foreign direct investment for Botswana and create employment for Batswana. The promoter highlighted that they are in negotiations with Mmadinare community to look at value adding projects as volumes picks up like starting up a juice plant.

Dr. Scholtz indicated that commissioning of the citrus pack house will kick start in two (2) weeks’ time, and will be built in phases. He cited that phase 1 will be almost 12 000square meters and is estimated to cost P80 million. This will be equipped with the best technology in the world to give Botswana an opportunity to pick and pack fruits of qualify, best suited for best buyers and markets in the world. He appreciated the massive support they continue to receive from the Botswana Government through Water Utilities Corporation, SPEDU and BITC. The project sponsor indicated that they expect the first harvest in 2024.

PSP concluded her visit by visiting the Bulb World, a Botswana owned bulb manufacturing company based in Selibe Phikwe that started its operation in 2018.