18 Nov 2015

The presidential task team launched by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has begun its consultations for the development of Botswana’s next post 2016 vision dubbed Vision 2036.

Delivering their mandate in a kgotla meeting held in Artesia recently, team leader, Dr Alfred Tsheboeng told residents that with Vision 2016 coming to an end, there was need to plan for the future of the country.

He said through the vision Botswana managed to achieve a lot of things through the pillars which were made to achieve set goals to help the country move forward.

Dr Tsheboeng said it was therefore critical that a plan must be developed which would see the country move even further to achieve greater things in the future.

He further said the national consultations provide a platform for the team to get ideas, dreams and desires towards the attainment of Vision 2036. 

Dr Tsheboeng said despite many achievements being made among them reduction in absolute poverty and improvement in education, there was a lot that still has to be done.

He said service delivery was still lagging behind and that a lot has to be done to diversify the economy and employment creation. 

He said whatever would be discussed on the consultations would help shape the next coming pillars of Vision 2036.

Kgosi George Thwane of Artesia said through Vison 2016 which was coming to an end next year, they have achieved a lot in their village and were more unified than ever before.

He said they have lived the pillars of “a united and proud nation and an educated and informed nation,” adding that they have managed to help children who left school come back through the circle of support initiative as education plays a pivotal role in their lives.

Kgosi Thwane said his dream was to see Artesia become an economic hub due to its vicinity to the A1 road, railway line and abundance of underground water.

He said industries could be developed for the benefit of the youth and create employment while at the same time improve lives economically. 

Mr Dikgang Lekgowe said he would like the government to help the youth have sustainable business by allocating them a plot and providing water where they could do their businesses.

Ms Tshegofatso Motlhanke said they have been suffering for lack of electricity connection due to arguments brought forth by BPC that they were outside the power grid.

She said the issue should be addressed and dealt away with especially when one was surrounded by homes with electric connections, adding that she dreams of a Botswana where everyone could connect electricity whereever they were without delays and at a reasonable cost. Ends