06 Apr 2014

Parliament has on Friday, April 4 adopted a motion resolving that the introduction of the Tenant Purchase Scheme (TPS) under the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) be prioritised for the 2014/15 financial year.

The motion was presented by Gaborone Central MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando.

Prior to the adoption, the MP for Shoshong, Mr Phillip Makgalemele supported the motion and said he was a beneficiary of the scheme and could attest to its benefit as he managed to purchase a house in Francistown through it.

He said funding could be sourced to rollout the scheme aggressively and requested that private financial institutions come on board to help.

Specially elected MP and Minister of Finance and Developing Planning, Mr Kenneth Matambo did not support the motion because, he said,  there was a similar motion not long ago by Kanye North MP, which was of similar context but defeated.

Mr Matambo said TPS might be important, but they had argued that there were other equally important priorities to consider and should allow his ministry to look at them.

Serowe South MP, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi supported the stand by minister Matambo.

In response, Mr Saleshando said there should be constant debate in Parliament as some MPs supported the motion prior to its adjournment, but later on changed stance.

He said he understands that there are other priorities but wants government to prioritise on the TPS rollout. ENDS