Boniface Keakabetse
The ‘Mall of Maun’ project has been projected to create an excess of 4500 employment: 2000 positions at construction phase and 2,500 once the mall becomes operational.
This was revealed by Tame Malls Managing Director Seloma Tiro during the mall ground breaking ceremony in Maun. The ceremony was officiated by Trade and Industry Minister Mmusi Kgafela.
Tiro explained that the construction of the mall will begin on May 1, 2022. It is anticipated for completion in September 2023.
The mall development area located in Borolong ward, Maun is two hectares. The main tenant is Checkers which is the premier brand of Shoprite supermarket who will be joined by Woolworths, Edgars, Options and Pep Group, Mr. Price, KFC while other businesses will follow.
The project is iconic since it is located along the Thamalakare River, something expected to enhance the status of the River and Maun.
Tiro noted that the project location in an environmentally sensitive area demanded that they identify a capable professional of Environmental Impact Assessment given the sensitivity of the development area. They nominated Champs Botswana. ‘’ we wanted an environmentalist with a wider knowledge with reference for this area.’’
‘’We do not want to come here and establish an entity that is destructive. By the time this project operates you will not see any sewerage pipeline. We will use convergence tanks which will treat and clean all waste from the facility. We use this technology because of the sensitivity of the River.’’
‘’ we are going to create a safe environment for Thamalakane River. This is an asset and the phase of Maun. The River is safe with Tame Malls.’’
Tiro added that they have set themselves four aims: community ownership of the project, create the needed infrastructure in Ngamiland, create employment and answer President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s call for employment creation. Out of this goals the community ownership aspect of the mall has been achieved, according to Tiro. ‘’ As Tame Malls what belongs to us is only the Debt but the product belongs to you as the community of Maun.’’
Chief Operations Officer, Palesa Tiro explained that Tame Malls is a real estate company which strive to contribute to Botswana’s economic growth. ‘’ we identified a gap in the real estate and retail market in Maun. The Infrastructure development project will bring the much needed socio economic benefit.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Mmusi Kgafela said Tame Malls is a 100 percent owned Botswana Company something that dovetails with the Governments’ drive to promote citizen empowerment in the economy. He added that his ministry’s mandate is facilitate trade throughout Botswana citing the Mall of Maun Project as an example.
Minister Kgafela appreciated the project that it will not only transform Batswana’s lives but boost Maun Village landscape and further enhance the tourism attraction in the area, create employment and encourage infusion of an entrepreneurial culture where communities learn and adopt existing and new entrepreneurship traits towards global competitiveness. Hon Kgafela encouraged producers, traders and service providers to take part in the development and also promote local products by availing them in stores.
Kgafela said Tame Malls has a track record of having delivered successful projects such as Nata Mall built in the 1990s, the Watershed Mall at Mahalapye in 2012 and the Palapye Riverview Mall in 2018.
Minister Kgafela appreciated the project that it will not only transform Batswana’s lives but boost Maun Village landscape and further enhance the tourism attraction in the area, create employment and encourage infusion of an entrepreneurial culture where communities learn and adopt existing and new entrepreneurship traits towards global competitiveness. Hon Kgafela encouraged producers, traders and service providers to take part in the development and also promote local products by availing them in stores.
Kgosi Kealetile Moremi giving welcome remarks said the mall will create employment adding way back there were no modern malls just smaller shopping centres.
‘’We are happy government is encouraging mall development. The mall will be a one stop shopping Centre which will save shoppers experience.
Mall patron, Boikhutso Moremi shared that the land where the construction used to be a ploughing field owned by the Batawana royal family.
‘’We are motivated to allow this project to happen because of the value it will give to Maun community through income and employment generation. Even when I am dead I will know the project added value to Maun.’’
Moremi added: ‘’ I will be happy if I hear that the majority of people employed at this mall are from Maun’’
Maun West Member of Parliament Dumelang Saleshando said the project will help diversify the tourism product in Maun and promote Maun as a destination not just a transit to Okavango Delta.
