Hatch Launches Botswana Operations
Isaac Pinielo | Monday October 31, 2016 16:09
Hatch Africa, which is an employee-owned multi-disciplinary professional services firm, is a member of the Hatch Group of Companies.
Among its services are management consulting, engineering, process development, operational performance, environmental services, technologies and project and construction management.
Speaking at their launch in Gaborone last week, Stephen Stacy, who is managing director for Botswana operations, said although the Debswana portfolio is the catalyst for the Botswana office, it will also be the spring board for pursuing new work, not just in the mining sector but also in the energy and infrastructure areas, where Hatch can contribute significant experience.
“We are very excited about the Botswana government’s Economic Stimulus Programme, designed to create employment and expand the private sector. Hatch would like to support this effort by sharing its project management experience, training capabilities, sustainability development methodologies and project management tools developed over many years of project management assignments,” he said.
He pointed out that Hatch has a long history of localisation in more than 150 countries around the world that it operates in, noting that Botswana will be no exception.
“We look forward to a long history in Botswana, working with all of our clients, partners, and stakeholders ensuring sustainable outcomes,” Stacey said. Officially launching the Botswana operations, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Nonofo Molefhi said his ministry looks forward to exploring possibilities for Hatch to partner with some government departments in delivering projects under the ESP.
“The establishment of an office in Gaborone by Hatch has obvious and immediate benefits, which I have no doubt will in the long-term have a ripple effect on management and delivery of projects in this country, which will ultimately add to growth of the economy,” the minister said. Hatch’s current involvement in Botswana includes work on the North-South Carrier (NSC) pipeline, which conveys raw water south for 360 kilometres to Gaborone. According to Stacey, the company is currently tendering on Phase two of this project.
It is also looking to access the thermal power generation market in Botswana, including the Botswana Power Corporation’s Morupule coal-fired power station near Palapye. “It is our intention to grow the Botswana office to about 10 people by the end of 2017, and to 50 people in five years,” Stacey said.
He indicated that the aim is to establish a significant local presence, with local shareholding and local employees. He said there is ample scope to enter into joint ventures with local companies in order to secure work.