Your current location:HOME >opinions >Chinese company spurs economic revival in Botswana's mining town 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 10:07:38 Source: Internet compilationEdit:opinions
GABORONE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The setting up of Pipe World, a Chinese company that specializes in th
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. ■
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony2024-05-21 09:57
Crawford goes 7 innings, Wong has 3 hits and Red Sox beat Giants 62024-05-21 09:44
Hush money trial: Trump faces prospect of additional sanctions for violating gag order2024-05-21 09:34
Biden keeps quiet as protesters and police clash on college campuses2024-05-21 09:19
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana2024-05-21 09:10
WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi calls out 'sensitive' Caitlin Clark fans after online backlash2024-05-21 08:18
Prince William and Kate Middleton's never2024-05-21 08:07
Arizona will repeal its 1864 abortion ban. Democrats are still planning to use it against Trump2024-05-21 08:03
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons2024-05-21 07:56
Gil's excellent outing helps the Yankees defeat Baltimore 22024-05-21 07:42
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America2024-05-21 10:02
China ready to strengthen high2024-05-21 09:35
Arizona governor set to sign repeal of near2024-05-21 09:03
Bloody brawl breaks out at Massachusetts courthouse between families of 362024-05-21 08:56
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email2024-05-21 08:54
Builder finds creepy children's handprints on the back of Victorian roof tiles2024-05-21 08:25
Toronto clinches top spot in PWHL with 42024-05-21 07:59
Champions League semifinal: Füllkrug fires Dortmund to 12024-05-21 07:42
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle2024-05-21 07:36
Tyra Banks reveals she had very first alcoholic drink AFTER turning 50: 'It wasn't worth it!'2024-05-21 07:29