17 Jul 2014

Members of Parliament  have supported  the idea to establish the Botswana Geoscience Institute for the purpose of undertaking research in the field of Geosciences.

Contributing to the debates of the government sponsored Botswana Geoscience Institute Bill, that was presented to the House by Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Mr Kitso Mokaila, Member of Parliament for Kanye North Mr Kentse Rammidi welcomed the idea of setting up the institution saying it came at a time when research was vital and needed to be promoted in Botswana. 

He advised the minister to be on guard when appointing members to the board of the organisation and its impact on the budget. 

He pleaded with the minister that on its maiden operations the institute should instigate a research at Moshana where it is reported that the village sits on an old mine shaft which poses serious hazards to villagers. 

He also advised the minister to look into cases of geohazards that have gripped Botswana and left unattended. 

Mr Rammidi further said the establishment of the body had the potential to help in economic diversification especially the agriculture sector.

Lobatse MP Mr Nehemiah Modubule supported the minister and pleaded with him not to relocate the head offices of the Geological Survey from Lobatse. 

He asked the minister to explain to the House clause 8 of the Bill which reads “the minister may give board written directions, of a general or specific nature, regarding the exercise of its powers which directions shall not be inconsistent with this Act or with the contractual or other legal obligations of the board.’

For his part South East South MP Mr Odirile Motlhale said the setting up of the institution will assist landboards and councils who had been relying on Geological Surveys despite its shortage of manpower in the field of Geosciences. 

He however said the minister should look into pay packages and explained that they should come to par with private sector in a bid to drive rationalisation. 

He said mineral exploration was a welcome development as Botswana now required high tech exploration. Mr Motlhale said government’s spending on mining will now be clearly spelt out and advised that government set up its own company to invest on mining.

Further, Mr Motlhale said liberalised foreign exchange controls on minerals were very important and called on for the establishment of the ministry of state enterprises.

Tati West MP, Mr Charles Tibone said though he supported the idea, his main worry was the proliferation of parastatals. He said it was very important to critically look at the costs and benefits of establishing such bodies. 

“There should be a profound justification that we taking the right step in the right direction. 

The regulatory functions and the operational functions of the institution are very critical,” he advised. 

Mr Tibone asked the minister to clearly explain the relationship between the new entity and the old existing Geological surveys functions. 

For his part, MP for Tonota South Mr Pono Moatlhodi said the establishment of the organization is a welcome development. 

He said it will be a proper example of government’s decentralisation endeavors. He said government was heavy laden and had to delegate some of its responsibilities.

Mr Moatlhodi said mineral exploration was worth it and pleaded with the minister to revisit clause 10 and clause 6 of the Bill. ENDS