13 Oct 2015

The Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration says government’s decision to tap into its foreign reserves is a deliberate move to help stimulate the economy which has had a knock down effect since economic downturn eight years ago.

Mr Eric Molale said during a kgotla meeting in Phitshane Molopo to welcome the roving-torch that marks the country’s 49^th years of independence and build up towards next year’s jubilee that spirited efforts to stimulate the economy that is not out of the woods yet will bear tangible results for Batswana. 

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama announced recently that the use of some of the country’s foreign currency reserves to fund an economic stimulus programme main object is to kindle the economy for accelerated employment creation and diversification.

Mr Molale told Phitshane Molopo residents who thronged the kgotla that the plan which targets among others tourism, agriculture, construction, and health will be rolled out beginning this month.

“We intend for instance to fastrack backlog eradication at primary schools where over 400 classrooms and about 480 teachers houses will be built countrywide,” he said adding instances where some school laboratories doubled as classrooms will be no more.

The same he said will be accorded secondary schools where about 380 classrooms and about 400 teachers housing units will be constructed to help ease accommodation shortage at schools.

He said agriculture is one area of focus adding that besides existing agricultural programmes many more packages will be devised to further improve the livelihoods of Batswana and boost the economy.

“Tourism is another area that has shown substantial potential over the years and it is the intention of the government to inject money into the sector and attract as many youth as possible into it.”

Area councilor, Ms Dorah Pandor said, “Botswana is a stable nation and everybody should ensure that the status is maintained. Ends