Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has roped in India and South Africa experts to fast-track a backlog of maintenance at Morupule B Power Station.
It is understood that already 55 Indians and four South Africans are already at the power station on different work contracts.
The chief executive officer David Kgoboko confirmed to this publication that the corporation has hired skilled foreign nationals at Morupule B to assist in the backlog of maintenance which is mainly technical.
“It is true that BPC has hired some highly skilled foreign nationals to assist at Morupule B power station. About 55 Indian nationals and four South African nationals are already on site busy at the site to resolve the maintenance backlog,” he revealed.
He said initially the power plant was constructed by China Electronic Equipment Corporation (CNEEC) almost a decade ago with substandard materials which led to frequent breakdowns which became a national concern.
He said the corporation then found it fit to hire the foreigners to assist BPC with both technical and leadership skills at the power plant following an audit report that was conducted early this year by the corporation.
He said the Indians will be at the power plant for a while the South Africans are on a three-year contract.
He added that the four South Africans once worked for ESKOM.
Kgoboko said while the foreigners are still based in the country, they would transfer their skills to the locals so that once their work contracts expire the locals would be able to take charge.
“I am optimistic that those who are under studying them are eager to learn and I hope that those hired will do a good job,” said Kgoboko.
He assured the public that Morupule B is coming very well and sooner than later the country will be able to produce enough energy for its local market and also be able to export power to the neighbouring countries.
Contacted for comment, the secretary general of Botswana Power Corporation Union, Gaonaone Marumoagae said the union has welcomed the decision taken by the BPC management to hire foreign experts on a temporary basis.
“The union welcomed BPC management’s decision to seek assistance from elsewhere in order to revamp the power plant. Before the arrival of those foreigners the union had a robust discussion with management about the issue and BPC assured the union that the experts are expected to be at the power plant on a temporary basis only,” Marumoagae said.
He added that once their work contracts expire, they are expected to go back to their respective countries.
“It is of paramount importance that there will be those who under study the foreigners so that once they complete their contracts, locals will then take over the power plant to the next level,” he said.
