11 Oct 2016

Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy has lamented the closure of BCL and Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC) saying such will negatively affect the economy of Francistown.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Itekeng Ward on Monday (October 10), MP Billy said the residents of the city would be directly and indirectly affected by the closure.

He noted that some residents who rented out houses, private schools, shops and the transport industry would be affected by the closure.

The MP implored the residents to continuously make suggestions to the government on how the economy of the city and country could be diversified from mining.

On other issues, Mr Billy informed the residents that parliament has passed a Trade Dispute Bill. He told the residents that while the bill attracted mixed feelings among legislators it was later passed adding that some of its advantages once it becomes an act will be to reduce delays in resolving trade disputes.

He said once operational the act will empower the commissioner of labour to have same powers as the industrial court and this will help eradicate the backlog in the labour disputes.

During comments and questions, one resident, Mr Innocent Kewangu commended the government for putting the BCL mine under provisional liquidation.

Mr Kewangu said it was imprudent for the government to continue bailing out the mine for its entire period of its existence.

He applauded the legislators for empowering the commissioner of labour as issues of labour will be addressed speedily.

Ms Goitsemang Mothibi called on Batswana not to despair due to the closure of the mines but instead unite and seek God’s intervention.

She said the same spirit of unity that was portrayed during the roving torch and BOT50 celebrations should continue in order for the country to overcome its challenges.

Ms Edith Machola thanked Batswana for supporting their business by buying the BOT50 merchandise saying she is one of the many people who benefited.

Ms Dolly Maika and Mr Moranodi Modise complained about the slow rollout of the Poverty Eradication Programme saying they registered in 2014 and 2015 respectively but have not been assisted.

Earlier, the ward development committee (WDC) chairperson, Mr Kabelo Malala informed the residents that his committee is in process of turning one of the open spaces into a community garden.

He said the council has availed the public toilets in the ward and his committee is in the process of selecting a resident who will operate them as pay toilets as a way of generating income for the WDC and also help the identified beneficiary to eradicate poverty.

Mr Malala said the public pay toilets will also help with proper sanitation especially around the ward’s shops and bars.

In response, the town clerk, Mr Mompati Seleka explained that the council has been working on the backlog of Poverty Eradication Programme projects and urged Ms Maika and Mr Modise to liaise with their social development officer to establish what caused delay in giving them feedback. ENDS