22 Feb 2017

The benefits of a president who leaves ofice are provided for under the law.

 Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale said some of the benefits include staff, office, equipment, housing and transport.

He said the ministry has not budgeted the sum of P34million for the retirement house of the President. Instead, he said the amount of P34million represents an estimated budget for the establishment of facilities of the President upon retiring from office.

He said the budget has been accommodated within the budgetary ceiling by the Ministry for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration for the year 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.

He said “in the first year (2017/2018), the provision budget for P20million will cover the P10million for refurbishment of the existing government facility use as office space and design and construction of the office building.”

Mr Molale said P3.6 million would cover transport requirements for the former president and his staff, while P2.5million would be for furniture of the said office for the President and his staff and that the other P2.5million would be for office equipment and his staff.

In the second year (2018/2019), the estimated budget of P14million would be used to cover any outstanding needs such as security for the residence.

“In this regard, he said the amount constitutes a reasonable estimation for the amount necessary to cover a number of requirements for the establishment of the said office.

The said schedule of benefits entitles any person who has been President to a furnished residential house in Gaborone or such housing allowances as may be determined by the President.

MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had wanted to know whether it is reasonable to budget P34million for the retirement house of the President.

He  also asked if this is not extravagant given the current economic situation and whether this practice is sustainable and if he will consider housing retired Presidents in ministerial houses. BOPA