In a bid to resolve the chronic accommodation challenges within urban areas, the ministry of Lands and Housing says they are in the process of conducting densification of homes.
According to the ministry of lands and housing, densification is a feasible alternative to resolving the chronic accommodation challenges in cities and towns. Speaking at the Housing Pitso which was recently held in Gaborone, the minister of lands and housing, Prince Maele, said after long and careful consideration, his ministry decided to adopt and promote densification.
He says densification will restrict the disorganised expansion of urban areas which has continued to haunt most cities and towns in Botswana. “This move will curtail the uncontrolled sprawl of our settlements and reduce the cost of infrastructure provision,” said Maele. He also said Gaborone has ample space which could be utilised in the implementation of densification.
Whilst acknowledging that urban planning was important in ensuring efficient utilisation of land, the minister said urban planning is dynamic and has to be done in a proactive, responsive and inclusive manner which is sustainable.
“We consistently reshape the role of urban planning so that it is more proactive, responsive, and inclusive, accommodates informality, and is embedded in good governance principles,” explained the minister.
The Pitso was called due to the ongoing housing challenges bedeviling Gaborone. Over the past few years, the demand for affordable housing in Botswana has soared making provision of accommodation for the increasing population of major settlements a major priority for the ministry.
