Mokgenene Village Development Committee (VDC) House Project: A Renewed Hope for Rural Infrastructure
Explore the Mokgenene Village Development Committee (VDC) House Project — a shining example of rural development in Botswana, combining leadership, public-private partnerships, and community impact.
The Significance of Rural Development in Botswana
Botswana has long championed equitable development across both urban and rural communities. In this context, the Mokgenene Village Development Committee (VDC) House Project stands out as a model of how leadership, collaboration, and community effort can address critical infrastructure gaps in remote settlements. Situated approximately 160 kilometers north of Gaborone and 54 kilometers west of Dibete, Mokgenene is a Remote Area Dweller (RAD) settlement in the Central District, and this project has brought both hope and practical transformation to its residents.
Background of the Project
History of the VDC Houses in Mokgenene
The VDC houses in Mokgenene were originally constructed to accommodate government employees and others seeking residence in the village. These units were essential in attracting skilled personnel to support local development and service delivery.
Windstorm Damage of 2005
In 2005, the village faced a devastating setback when eight VDC houses and three toilets were destroyed by a windstorm. The damage included broken roofs, shattered windows, and cracked walls. This disaster rendered the houses uninhabitable and resulted in a shortage of suitable accommodation, effectively discouraging professionals and civil servants from relocating to the area.
Presidential Intervention
HE Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s Role
Recognizing the severity of the issue, His Excellency President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama took a personal interest in the matter. His leadership provided both urgency and visibility to Mokgenene’s plight.
2014 Fact-Finding Mission
On November 22, 2014, the President’s Private Office, led by the Senior Private Secretary, visited Mokgenene on a fact-finding mission. This pivotal visit helped assess the extent of the damage and initiated a search for stakeholders willing to partner in the repair and restoration of the housing units.
Partnership with BTCL
Corporate Social Responsibility and Rural Development
The turning point came when Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) generously stepped in to contribute P200,000 towards the restoration effort. This is a shining example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can play a direct role in uplifting marginalized communities.
Financial Contributions and Material Support
The Private Office of the President managed the project, identifying qualified builders and assessing quotations for building materials. The collaboration ensured transparency, efficiency, and quality in implementation.
Reconstruction and Refurbishment Work
Timeline of Project Implementation
The restoration work began shortly after the site assessment in November 2014, with skilled contractors executing the work in phases. The project remained on schedule, culminating in a formal handover presided over by HE President Ian Khama.
Scope of Renovations and Techniques Used
The refurbishment was extensive. It included:
Demolishing unstable sections
Crack and beam filling
Plastering and roofing
Painting, glazing, and floor screeding
This comprehensive scope ensured that the houses were not just repaired but revitalized to meet modern housing standards.
Impact on Mokgenene Community
Housing for Public Servants
The refurbished homes provide essential accommodation for teachers, healthcare workers, and other public officials, removing a critical barrier to effective service delivery in Mokgenene.
Revenue for the Village Development Committee
Tenants renting the houses will now pay rent to the Mokgenene VDC, creating a sustainable source of income. These funds can be reinvested into further community projects.
Boost in Public Services and Infrastructure Appeal
With new housing in place, Mokgenene becomes a more attractive post for civil servants. This is expected to improve education, health services, and governance in the area.
Strategic Location and Significance
Proximity to Kgotla and Village Center
The VDC houses are located adjacent to the village Kgotla, symbolizing their integral role in community life. Their visibility and accessibility further reinforce their importance.
Importance for RAD Settlements
As a Remote Area Dweller settlement, Mokgenene faces unique development challenges. This project serves as a pilot for similar interventions in other remote villages across Botswana.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Construction Logistics in Remote Areas
Building in rural areas like Mokgenene comes with logistical challenges—from transporting materials to sourcing skilled labor. These hurdles were overcome through careful planning and local collaboration.
Collaborative Solutions Between Government and Corporates
The success of this project illustrates the power of public-private partnerships. By combining government leadership with corporate resources, sustainable development becomes achievable, even in remote regions.
Sustainability and Future Use
Management by Mokgenene VDC
The VDC now holds administrative responsibility for the houses, including maintenance and rent collection. This local governance model ensures that the community remains engaged and invested.
Potential for Expansion and Long-Term Benefits
There is significant potential to expand the project by:
Adding more housing units
Introducing solar power
Improving sanitation infrastructure
Such growth could position Mokgenene as a regional model for sustainable rural living.
National Importance of the Project
The Mokgenene VDC House Project is not just a local story—it is a national milestone in Botswana’s commitment to inclusive development. It reflects core values of:
Leadership and vision
Community empowerment
Corporate responsibility
Other communities and districts can draw valuable insights from this project, making it a blueprint for future rural initiatives.
FAQs About the Mokgenene VDC House Project
1. What is the Mokgenene VDC House Project? It is a housing refurbishment initiative aimed at repairing storm-damaged homes for use by public servants and as rental properties managed by the village.
2. Who funded the project? The project was funded through a P200,000 donation from BTCL, with coordination by the President’s Private Office.
3. What kind of work was done on the houses? Work included demolishing, roofing, plastering, glazing, painting, and floor screeding.
4. Why is this project important to Mokgenene? It addresses the long-standing shortage of accommodation for public workers and brings a new revenue stream to the community.
5. Who will live in the refurbished homes? Primarily public servants, such as teachers and healthcare workers, as well as future residents assigned to the area.
6. Will this model be used elsewhere? It’s likely, as the project serves as a successful example of rural revitalization through leadership and partnership.
