02 Dec 2015

Batswana need long-term job opportunities if the country pursues a coherent industrial development programme, the Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has said.

In his response to the State-of-the-Nation Address in Parliament, Mr Mmolotsi said in order to transform the country’s economy and create lasting jobs, the country needs to pursue a developmental path that provides long-term tangible results.

“We need to have our people in factories that would generate wealth and provide workers with sustainable jobs so that they can empower themselves, and engage in the long-term planning of developing their own lives.  You need an employed person to be able to engage a bank and take a loan to be paid over 10 for example,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi said current programmes pursued by the government would not provide long-term solutions to people’s challenges.

“Current suggestions such as the Economic Stimulus Programme only offer short-term solutions.  You may have infrastructure constructed over two years, and after that short period, those employed return to the unemployment ranks.  

They cannot plan for their lives in the long-term, they cannot get bank loans,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi also faulted the government for not reviewing the impact of existing programmes before introducing a new one.

“We should be told how much was spent on CEDA (Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency) and what the returns have been, the success or failure rates of the businesses before a new programme is packaged. 

We have had millions spent on policies such as the poverty eradication programme without a proper analysis periodically given to gauge if the proper impact is being made,” Mr Mmolotsi said.

He said the government’s focus should currently be on the provision of water and electricity, stating that these were crucial sectors of the economy.

“Priority should be given to addressing the water and electricity crisis the country has experienced rather than rushing to access foreign reserves for short-term projects. The country also needs a water and electricity regulator,” Mr Mmolotsi said.

He also said land shortage was a major challenge in the Francistown area. Ends