The Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) says it has spent 4.1 million Pula (around $375,000) to refurbish its athletes’ facility.
The facility has 16 units, which contained eight two-bedroom apartments and eight one-bedroom apartments all with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the facility on Tuesday in Gaborone, Tumiso Rakgare, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, said the facility was acquired in 2007 for purposes of athletes lodging, while in camp.
“This was done as a long-term strategy to cut costs as athletes had to be booked in hotels during national team camps.’’
Over the years, the facility had been serving its purpose, though maintenance and upkeep had been lacking due to constant usage by the athletes, added Rakgare.
Rakgare further said the ministry made it a priority to make funds available to assist in refurbishing the facility to improve its aesthetic appeal.
He also advised the commission to use the facility, to generate revenue when athletes are not in camp.