Jindal Energy Strengthens Partnership with BURS, Advances Botswana Power Project

Jindal Energy Strengthens Partnership with BURS, Advances Botswana Power Project. The Jindal Mmamabula Energy Project (JMEP) delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to introduce its Country Head, Mr. V. Subramanian, and provide updates on the progress of its pioneering energy project.

During the engagement, Acting Commissioner General Mr. Phodiso Valashia emphasized the importance of collaboration between BURS and taxpayers. “Engagements of this nature are critical in fostering mutual understanding and creating a conducive environment for business operations. As BURS, we remain committed to an open-door policy and structured stakeholder engagement,” he said.

Mr. Subramanian expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with BURS, noting that while the project is targeted for completion in December 2028, efforts are underway to accelerate timelines. JMEP also acknowledged BURS’s role in facilitating trade through the approved Staged Consignment Ruling (SCR), which has streamlined cross-border consignments critical to the project.

Mr. Segolo Lekau highlighted that the SCR has been instrumental in ensuring operational efficiency. JMEP further recognized the support of the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU), specifically acknowledging Ms. Ontlametse B. Molefe, Ms. Bontle Moalosi, and Mr. Molemi Pule for their contributions to service delivery.

Jindal Energy, a subsidiary of Jindal Power Limited (JPL), is developing a 600 MW Base Load Thermal Power Plant in Botswana. The project will be implemented in two phases: a 300 MW plant scheduled for commissioning in 2026/27 to supply the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), followed by a second 300 MW phase, with full completion anticipated by 2028.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to deliver socio-economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 5,000 jobs upon completion. Currently, about 1,500 people are employed, including graduates from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

BURS, through Mr. Oabile Simon, also shared updates on ongoing legislative reforms aimed at modernising Botswana’s tax framework, including reviews of the Income Tax and VAT Acts and the introduction of the Tax Administration Act.