03 Mar 2016

Okavango Sub-district is reported to be step ahead in the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) which was officially launched last month.

North West district council chairperson, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa said when addressing council meeting that expression of interest for the first batch of backlog eradication facilities at Nxaunxau and Etsha 6 primary schools were advertised, closed and evaluated before end of February.

He said in order to fast track the implementation, the expression of interests were adjudicated on February 24, 2016 and issuance of bills of quantities for pricing to successful bidders commenced on February 25 and would end on March 4, 2016.

In addition, he pointed out that tendering process has been further simplified to accommodate all Batswana and speed up the procurement process.

The programme aimed to boost economic growth through increased government spending in identified sectors, diversify the economy and accelerate employment.

Mr Mbulawa explained that the introduction of ESP was a response to the current unfavourable economic climate following the world economic recession in 2008/09 which resulted in loss of jobs not only in Botswana, but worldwide.

“This is why ESP is targeting construction, manufacturing, tourism and the agricultural sectors. The Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) and the Special Economic Zones in particular would boost the local manufacturing sector,” he added.

He said the district council has been allocated over P139 million to carry out its projects under ESP for financial years 2016/17 and 2018/19.

He said the district has been allocated the second largest share of funds after Central district council. He said the allocated funds would carry out primary school backlog eradication in eight primary schools in the district and construction of these backlog eradication projects were anticipated to create 484 permanent jobs and 54 temporary jobs.

Other projects to be carried out include construction of kgotla projects, seven schools science laboratories, 50 classrooms and 51 staff houses.

Councillors were also informed that budget for the financial year 2016/17 would be finalised once the overall national budget has been approved by Parliament.

They were also told that local authorities were still awaiting allocations of the development budget and Revenue Support Grant ceiling from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

Mr Mbulawa said the ministry has been allocated the third largest share at 13.5 per cent and the bulk of the proposed budget would mainly cater for RSG to councils, social protection programmes including Old Age Pension scheme, Orphan Care programme and the Destitute programme which included the special Okavango destitute initiative. Ends