Tuduetso Setsiba
25 June 2004
THE Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Boometswe Mokgothu has revealed that 70% of Botswana's electrical energy requirements are met through imports.
Speaking at the official opening of the Southern African Trade on Low Cost Power and HIV conference Mokgothu said that in the long-term vision for Botswana, they recognize the important role that energy plays in the drive for industrialization. "We need to put in place policies that promote secure, competitive and reasonably priced energy supplies to help attract, retain and expand trade. It is a fact that in choosing the location of a business, energy prices are some of the important considerations that investors take into account," he said.
Speaking at the same function US Ambassador, Joseph Huggins said having affordable sources of energy is central to any economic development programme. Huggins added that the development of adequate infrastructure to generate, transmit and distribute energy safely and efficiently would help countries to combat illiteracy and achieve economic growth. He said many countries including Botswana are left vulnerable due to their dependence on importing energy sources from other countries.
He said southern Africa is rich in energy sources and stressed that if these resources are developed and distributed properly, the region's famous natural resources will be preserved. But for the dream to come true the region will need coordination, teamwork and a good administrative agency. Huggins said power of energy relates to economic development. "In addition to saving money, affordable energy also creates opportunities," he explained. He said manufacturing plants become competitive if the price of energy is right because money that could have been spent on expensive energy costs can now be directed to other priorities.
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