12 Apr 2016

A true leader is supposed to do more listening and less talking, says the Member of Parliament for Ghanzi South, Mr Christian De Graaff.

Addressing residents of West Hanahai recently, Mr De Graaff said government initiatives were meant to alleviate poverty and empower Batswana.

Mr De Graaff pleaded with Hanahai residents to get involved in farming since the government had increased prices of yields. He said the price increase came upon the declaration of drought by the President.

“Global warming which has resulted in rapid climate change affected us badly hence we witness inadequate rainfalls,” said Mr De Graaff.

He urged residents  to plough beans because they were warm season crops and could sustain themselves in dry seasons.

He said the government has opened Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) offices in Ghanzi to help buy the harvest. He added that the BAMB take over of LAC would also include 50 per cent subsidy for farmers.

He said Botswana could feed herself if land could be put under production, adding that the government has special ISPAAD programmes for Ghanzi and Kgalagadi districts.

On other issues, the MP thanked the Japanese Embassy for building a pre-school in West Hanahai.

Kgosi Kaoxo Xase of West Hanahai said during kgotla meetings they were always given promises by government officials which were not fulfilled. He said they were promised that their road  would be graded and maintained.

He also complained that there was no flag in their kgotla and poor working relations between him and the newly appointed police officers.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) treasurer, Mr Siamisang Dipholo applauded the government for paving the school, and commended West Hanahai Primary School for improving results by 50 per cent. ENDS