07 Mar 2016

Some North West councillors have appealed to the Vision 2036 Presidential Task Team to consider formulating local empowerment act which will give the locals an opportunity to benefit more from the wealth of the country.

They said time has come for government to consider that act as currently the locals were not benefiting from the natural resources which they cared for.

They made the plea after a presentation by the 2036 vision committee during a consultation meeting with the civic leaders.

Councillors pointed out that tourism activities in the Ngamiland district were undertaken by non-citizens while Batswana were engaged on the side lines.

They believed that the act would make a difference and ensure that the locals were empowered and given priority to the utilization of resources.

Cllr Oabilwe Chombo of Shorobe/Sankoyo observed that Vision 2016 focus much on implementation of infrastructure and left the welfare of the communities behind hence many areas were poverty stricken.

He also supported the formation of the local empowerment act which he believes  it could make a huge difference in the lives of the locals.He wished Vision 2036 could consider to identify the causes of poverty and come up with researched interventions which could uproot poverty amongst Batswana.

Cllr Kaukapita Kaukapita of Sedie ward noted that the country depended much on foreign investors and  said with the  the act in place,  locals could contribute 75 per cent to the development of the economy.

Cllr Luke Motlaleselelo of Bojanala ward noted that it is important for  government to plan the new vision basing on what had failed in Vision 2016.

He said a pillar of an Educated and Informed Nation has not been achieved as some children especially in the settlements were still unable to access education because they are far from services.

He said pupils have to travel long distances to access schools, health services adding that most of the time, they are assisted through mobile clinics which come once a month.

He proposed that Vision 2036 should  ensure that government brings services closer to the people.

However, some councillors wished Vision 2016 report could have been availed first before the preparations of the new vision.

For his part, an official from Vision 2036, Mr Bashi Gaetsalwe said  Batswana were  aware of the challenges that could be indicated in the Vision 2016 report. 

He said challenges such as water crisis would also be included.

In addition, he emphasised the need to coordinate and have a proper  plan to ensure a smooth implementation of the vision. Ends