14 Feb 2013

Funds set aside for the development budget are not enough to cover various development needs across the country.

The MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Gilson Saleshando echoed these sentiments when contributing to the debate on the 2013/14 budget speech.

He explained that the budget was flawed as it concentrated on unplanned initiatives, adding that government’s diversification agenda would not be achieved with little funds in the development budget. 

He added that despite the fact that the country was awash with natural resources, there was a small industrial base for cottage industries which could generate employment.

 “The government should ensure that growth has opportunities for constituencies throughout the country,” he said.

MP Saleshando observed that mining linked the local economy with the global economy for wealth creation, noting that it was disheartening to realise that government could not disclose how much money flowed into the economy from mining revenues over the last years.

He said for the last 40 years government had been getting less money from its minerals because it exported jobs and wealth to other countries.

“Government cannot tell us its return on investment on the mining industry and they don’t have information on the number of jobs they created abroad,” he said.

In addition, he said the youth in Botswana were crying for sustainable jobs which the economy was failing to provide. Mr Saleshando also decried the fact that education continued to fail to give the economy the skills required for prosperity.

Meanwhile, the MP for Gaborone West South, Mr Botsalo Ntuane differed with legislators who described the budget as a rich man’s budget.

He said there were many positives that Batswana could be proud of, adding that the 2013/14 budget supported social and public services. “Under the budget, basic health services are there and more funds have been allocated to supplement these,” he argued.

MP Ntuane explained that the budget was reasonable as it allowed those below the tax threshold to take more money home. This, he said, provided a cushion against the harsh economic conditions for the poor.

The MP noted that downsizing was being undertaken the world over, but that Botswana had protected her employees.

He viewed the 2013/14 budget as catering for the concerns of the poor and pointed out that it had recognised the elderly and war veterans by increasing their allowances.

“Children of all Batswana regardless of their social status are given the opportunity to study courses of their choice through the top achievers programme,” he asserted.

Through the budget, he noted that the finance and development planning minister had provided subsidies for Batswana which helped them cope with the harsh economic conditions.

He also applauded the minister for the Ipelegeng programme, noting that unlike in other countries where people are paid for doing nothing, in Botswana they undertake public works.

Making his contribution, the MP for Gaborone North, Mr Keletso Rakhudu said that he was happy that the minister had presented a balanced budget.

Mr Rakhudu said it was surprising that opposition MPs who had approved NDP 10 turned around and criticised it. 

He applauded the minister for the Ipelegeng programme, saying the reason why the opposition hate it was because it had proved to be effective despite its negative publicity.

The budget, he said, encouraged productivity noting that there was need to contain and constrain public expenditure. He challenged BDP legislators to defend the budget and explain all its positives to their constituents. ENDS