10 Dec 2015

The experience the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has developed over the years governing the country  is important, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen has said.

Making his contribution to the debate on the State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday, Mr Van Der Westhuizen said the BDP had gained extensive experience that stood the country in good stead when facing its challenges.

“The country may experience challenges such as the water and electricity situation or the recent Matsha College students’ accident, but the way the government responds to these is a sign that we have a government that cares about the people and is experienced in administering the affairs of the country,” he said.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgalagadi South was critical of opposition parties of always being critical of the government to a point of even being against developmental programmes that benefit citizens.

Additionally, Mr Van Der Westhuizen urged the government to better equip schools in the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi districts in order to improve the learning process.

“The schools in some of our districts are not as well-resourced as they should be, and we need to ensure that laboratories, computers and other equipment are availed in order to better improve learning for our children,” he said.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen also called for the improvement of the Tsabong hospital, saying that it is about 500km away from Gaborone’s referral Princess Marina Hospital.  

He also called for the better equipping of the clinics in the area, and the provision of hospitals for Kgalagadi health facilities.

Mochudi East MP , Mr Isaac Davids called for the country to take citizen economic empowerment seriously, calling for deliberate measures to be taken to ensure that locals are active participants in the economy.

Mr Davids also called for constitutional reforms, the direct election of the President and the independence of the National Assembly, which he said is limited in its scope if it remains under the ambit of the Office of the President.

He further called for  what he called equitable service from the state media. 

“Radio Botswana, Botswana Television (Btv) and the DailyNews do not belong to the any political party, they should not be used to further the campaigns of the party in government.  These are public institutions that should serve all citizens irrespective of their political affiliation,” he said.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen thanked the electorate who voted for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II in the Good Hope Mabule constituency.

He further called on the government to extend the hours of operation of the Sikwane border gate, and also work on being reconciled with estranged Bakgatla royal Kgosi Kgafela II. Ends