09 Nov 2016

The MP for Serowe North, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse, says  government made a right decision by closing the BCL Mine.

Debating the draft National Development Plan (NDP) 11 in Parliament on Tuesday (November 8), Mr Autlwetse described the beleaguered copper/nickel mine as a parasite, saying instead of government accruing profits, it was now supporting it through funds sourced from other revenue generating projects.

He said it should not be surprising for the mine to be closed as it had proved unprofitable in the past and the mineral resources were getting scarce.

Mr Autlwetse said he welcomed the Minister of Finance and Economic Development’s comments on beneficiation of the mineral sector, saying however the development of downstream activities would require additional funding.

He said the budget for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has to be increased to ensure it is developed.

For his part, Thamaga-Kumakwane MP, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo said it was important to take stock from Vision 2016 to pave way forward for Vision 2036.

He said programmes developed by government were meant to benefit all Batswana, but was concerned by the members of the opposition who benefit yet they criticise the same programmes.

Mr Mabeo said given the little resources government faced, it was time they learn to do more with less.

He said government has to undertake projects and programmes that offer return on investment.

Mochudi West MP, Mr Gilbert Mangole said there was pressure now since government has failed to attain the aspirations of NDP 10.

He said NDP 11 was therefore under pressure as it covered projects that could have been undertaken in the last plan.

Mr Mangole said NDP 10 failed to create jobs, has failed to address income inequalities, diversify the economy and secure external markets.

He said it was against this background that even today, economic diversification remains elusive. ENDS