12 Oct 2015

The Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Gloria Kokorwe recently told residents of Molepolole that Batswana have to advise their representatives on pertinent issues to be discussed in Parliament to ensure that the institution serves its oversight function and pushes for improved service delivery across government ministries.

She said MPs cannot always be in their constituencies as they are also involved in parliamentary committees, some of which seat when parley is on recess.

She encouraged residents to always use the office of the MP to raise issues and seek assistance. She cautioned that such offices should be non-partisan.

For their part, the residents called for parliament proceedings to be aired on national television and other government media. 

They urged government to embrace new technology and broadcast proceedings on cellphones so as to combat voter apathy, especially among the youth, and grow the nation’s interest in politics.

They called on parliamentarians to make laws to control sand mining and harvesting of thatching grass. 

Residents called on parliamentarians to interact more with the people they represent to get informed views to present in Parliament and to give them feedback on time. 

They pleaded with parliament to translate their documents to Setswana so as to benefit many uneducated Batswana.

For his part, Molepolole North MP Dr Tlamelo Mmatli said taking parliament to the people is an educational initiative, which will see more Batswana enlightened on the work of MPs and what is expected of citizens to support their representatives. 

He said the Speaker’s meeting is in line with the Vision 2016 ideals of building an educated and informed nation. The Speaker of Parliament has already met Thamaga residents. She will next week address constituencies in the Okavango Sub- district. Ends