04 Aug 2015

Parliament has approved the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure from the Consolidated and Development Funds, Financial Paper No.1 of 2015/2016.

The the paper contained supplementary estimates of expenditure from the consolidated amounting to over P399 million and P45.9 million from Development Funds.

Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Kenneth Matambo, thanked members for supporting the motion on supplementary funding.

He said a lot of discussion that surrounded BMC was worthwhile, and agreed that the supplementary budget of P300 million to assist Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) should not just be seen as pouring money to BMC, but should be seen as an investment.

Mr Matambo said it was inevitable that a turnaround strategy for BMC be put in place, noting that it would follow suit. He said concerns raised about the money spent on BMC from year to year were taken seriously.

“We are going to require that this turnaround strategy should come forward and be discussed by Parliament,” he said.

Minister Matambo said he agreed in principle with most MPs that complained that budgeting issues were not done prudently, considering the fact that within a short space of time ministries ask for supplementary expenditure.

He,  however, said to this particular supplementary, he was of the view that there was an emergency of drought that led to these circumstances.

Earlier on, MP for Shashe West, Mr Fidelis Molao had noted that the drought year had compelled them to ask for supplementary money to assist farmers as many relied on cattle.

Mr Molao said the bulk of the supplementary estimates was meant for drought relief efforts, adding that the ministry would ensure that the money was put to good use by BMC, as well as putting in place the turnaround strategy.

MP for Nata-Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga said he supported the estimates, noting that many farmers that relied on beef industry were complaining of late payments. He added that the agricultural sector was capable of creating jobs for Batswana.

MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse and Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said parliamentarians needed enough time to scrutinise things laid before them lest there would be a risk that decisions were taken somewhere and not passed by Parliament, but pass through Parliament. Ends