15 Nov 2016

Leader of Opposition, Mr Duma Boko, has called for revision of money budgeted for maintenance of learning facilities.

Debating the draft NDP 11 programmes and projects under the economy and employment thematic working groups, Mr Boko said half a billion Pula would be an ideal rough estimate for classrooms maintenance since most schools were in terrible state of disrepair, adding that P43 million spared for maintenance was not enough.

“This shows our lack of seriousness in ensuring that facilities for learning are of the highest standards,” he said.

Mr Boko also questioned the rationale for government’s support for professional bodies. For instance, he said the legal profession like other bodies was compelled to provide certain hours for free, hence they should be assisted likewise other professions such as Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants.

“The said differential treatment is unjustifiable and there should be reasons for picking this professional body over others,” he said.

Mr Boko further said government should become clear with regards to poverty alleviation and eradication, adding that Ipelegeng programme should be revisited.

Mr Boko further said infrastructure was of poor quality as attested by frequent power outages even when there were slight drizzles.

“We need to take a fresh look at quality of materials that we use and workmanship. IT infrastructure should also be dealt with robustly because otherwise there will be no productivity,” he said.

Mr Boko further said huge budgetary outlays in research and development were critical as well as capturing indigenous knowledge and paying attention as to how many patents have been registered involving local developers and researchers.

MP for Bonnington South, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe said Botswana was endowed with resources and talents to completely obliterate unemployment and be a country that could be providing expertise and employees for the economy.

He said education system was not able to prepare students for job market. Thus, he said there was need to create first infrastructure, which he said was a pre-requisite to development.

Mr Gaolathe said key sectors of agriculture should be re-energised as well as government procurement that could create winners that could be agents of transformation.
He said lack of leadership with requisite to drive sectors was also failing the country.

He said research and development was also crucial in diversifying some sectors of the economy.

Francistown South, MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said there should be efforts to rejuvenate the economy by assessing programmes which could diversify the economy.

He said government should evaluate some programmes such as ISPAAD, which he said only achieved in terms of hectorage increased as opposed to yield or using the best of unit.

He said agriculture has the potential to create more jobs, but noted that as long as the country was relying heavily on arable agriculture, the sector would remain a laggard.

Mr Mmolotsi also said government should utilise natural resources the country was endowed with to create job opportunities. end