Chinese company spurs economic revival in Botswana's mining town
GABORONE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The setting up of Pipe World, a Chinese company that specializes in the production of PVC and high-density polyethylene (HDP) pipes, will spur the economic revival of Botswana's eastern town of Selibe-Phikwe, a local official has said.
Kefilwe Motlhanka, the manufacturing and industry development manager at the country's Selibe-Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), said Tuesday that the revival of the city, situated some 400 km northeast of Gaborone, Botswana's capital, is slowly taking shape thanks to the contribution of the Chinese company.
Twelve years ago, the economy of Selibe-Phikwe town sank into depression following the closure of the nickel mining BCL Mine, leading to a great loss of jobs resulting in the massive migration of its residents, said Motlhanka.
Unlike many other towns and cities in this diamond nation of Botswana that have their economies anchored on industries, Selibe-Phikwe's lifeline relies heavily on the existence of nickel mining and copper smelting, she said.
"Life is slowly returning to normalcy following the setting up of Pipe World in our city in 2020," said Motlhanka, adding that the company has so far created 100 employment opportunities and the jobs are likely to increase to 300 once fully operational.
Motlhanka said the establishment of the project worth about 40 million pula (2.92 million U.S. dollars) has increased the cash flow in Selibe-Phikwe and markets that had collapsed when the mining entity closed down in October 2016.
According to Motlhanka, the schools that suffered from low enrollment after employees withdrew their children due to losing their mining jobs are slowly but steadily returning to normalcy.
Wenjie Wang, the company's general manager, said his company is ready to manufacture enough pipes that the country dearly needs to improve its water reticulation system. "Our pipes are needed to improve water supply across the country."
The products manufactured by Pipe World include sewer lines, electrical works and potable water conveyance systems, Wang said, adding that irrigation systems will be introduced in the next five years, a development that will boost Botswana's growing agricultural sector. ■
Related articles
Sophie Morgan suddenly quits ITV show Loose Women as she reveals plans for emigration
Sophie Morgan has quit Loose Women so she can work in the US.The TV presenter, 39, became the first2024-05-21Chinese navy is operating out of Cambodia's Ream base: US think tank — Radio Free Asia
Cambodia appears to have given the Chinese navy extended and exclusive access to its naval base in R2024-05-21- British spooks are probing Beijing's ability to spy on UK citizens through Chinese-made electric car2024-05-21
Prabowo Subianto wins 2024 Indonesian presidential election
JAKARTA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair Prabowo Subianto and2024-05-21Who is Abi Carter? Inside the American Idol winner's unconventional family life
California-native Abi Carter was crowned the American Idol winner for season 22 on Sunday. The 21-ye2024-05-21Paige Spiranac says Masters viewing figures plunged 20% because 'fans are turned off' by LIV
Viewership of The Masters' final round on Sunday reportedly fell 20 percent from last year- and golf2024-05-21
atest comment