The over BWP 500 million glass manufacturing project in Palapye, a joint venture between the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and Fengyue Glass Manufacturing Company, is expected to be in full s…
The over BWP 500 million glass manufacturing project in Palapye, a joint venture between the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and Fengyue Glass Manufacturing Company, is expected to be in full swing towards the end of 2011. The project will produce float glass mainly for the construction industry and, according to the Principal Operations Officer for the BDC, Isaac Nthomola, the preparatory work has already started. This, he added, also included the assessment of the environmental impact, which ensured the eligibility for a mining licence. Nthomola also noted that the project would get silica sand from Mmamabula, coal from Morupule, and said that discussions were ongoing with Botash with regards to soda ash. The site is connected to the water grid, but will also use recycled water. With regards to personnel and technology, Richard Cheng of Fengyue Glass Manufacturing Company said that that machinery and skilled personnel will be imported both from China since Botswana did not have this kind of technology. He also added that some Botswana citizens would be trained in China, with about 20 locals going this year. He also said the project would provide employment for about 450 people.