22 Nov 2016

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe, has requested Parliament to approve P150 million as total budget for the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation during National Development Plan (NDP) 11.  

Presenting the proposals on behalf of the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Kwerepe said from the amount, P50 million would be used for the construction of Chancery and residential apartments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said this would reduce high costs of rent and contribute to Botswana’s effective representation at the African Union. A further P35 million was required to purchase properties, both residential and office space in strategic locations to reduce high leasing costs incurred.

Mr Kwerepe futher requested P30 million to refurbish properties in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Australia, Washington D.C., New York, Namibia, Johannesburg and Pretoria. He also said P35 million will be needed for opening new Missions.

He was requesting the funds during presentation of Chapter 8 of NDP 11 which addressed Governance, Safety and Security chaired by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi.BOPA