BCL closure slows economic growth

Ripple effects: Electricty and coal production are some of the sectors affected by the BCL closure
Ripple effects: Electricty and coal production are some of the sectors affected by the BCL closure

The economy grew at a slower rate of 0.8% in the first three months of the year compared to 2.3% in the same period last year as the full effects of the closure of BCL in the fourth quarter of 2016 come into play.

Although the economy’s new driver, the services sector continued to perform well, it was the 28.9% decrease in the real mining value added that largely slowed economic growth.

BCL’s closure also affected coal production with Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) reducing output while the water and electricity sector also reduced output due to the closure of the copper and nickel mines.

Editor's Comment
UDC should deliver on promises

President Duma Boko and his government must now hit the ground running to deliver on their promises and meet the high expectations of Batswana. The UDC has pledged to foster a deliberative democracy, where open dialogue and continuous conversations are encouraged. This approach will allow different viewpoints to be heard and strengthen the ideas that shape our nation. The introduction of the long-awaited Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a...

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