Damage From Recent Floods In Botswana Estimated At P844m

Preliminary figures released by the government this week estimate that P844m would be required to repair and rehabilitate the infrastructure damaged by the recent floods. The reconstruction of roads and bridges would cost about P650m while the replacement and relocation of flood damaged buildings would cost about P194m. Apart from damage to infrastructure, the recent floods killed 13 people in Botswana and left an estimated 60 000 people homeless.

The forecast small budget surplus of P47m for 2000/2001 could therefore turn out to be a deficit of around P800m as government funds get channelled towards rebuilding damaged infrastructure and humanitarian aid for flood victims. Some developmental expenditure might also have to be shelved off as a result of public funds being diverted towards repairing the damage.