13 Jun 2013

Botswana’s economy still looks blurred, according to Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi.

Addressing residents of Somerset extension in his constituency on Wednesday, Mr Mmolotsi said Batswana should help government create employment opportunities. And, he urged the residents to take advantage of poverty eradication programmes to improve their lives.

He explained that according to the department of labour and social security records, about 17.1 per cent of unemployed people registered to be considered for employment. He noted that for the months of January and April this year, about 285 965 people were employed under the Ipelegeng programmes, adding that this was an indication that many people were roaming the streets and in need of permanent employment.

On other issues, he updated the residents about the land policy motion, which was tabled before Parliament. He said the motion wanted the government to have a land audit to determine land ownership in the country.

Mr Mmolotsi said Parliament rejected the motion. However, he said the President has announced that land would be allocated on a 70:30 ratio in favour of the inhabitants of the area. In addition, he implored the residents to liaise with department of lands regarding residential plots allocations at Gerald Estate.

He advised residents who had been in the waiting list from 1988 to make follow ups. Meanwhile, residents complained that that Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) did not respond to faults quickly.

Mr Cornelius Budani, a resident, observed that poverty eradication programmes seemed to make one to be too relaxed instead of working hard to feed their families. He said they had turned to being crying babies waiting for the government to feed and find employment for them.

Mr Budani said government should instead create employment opportunities and Batswana should compete to be employed. Ms Kealebale Thomas complained that they were made to wait in long queues for Ipelegeng payments while at the same time being ill-treated by their young colleagues.

Mr Gunda Gunda suggested that the proposed land quota of 70: 30 should be discussed further, suggesting that MPs should convey a meeting with the President and show him the dangers of introducing such a quota, which he said might lead to tribalism.

In his response, Mr Mmolotsi said he would take up their suggestions with fellow legislators on the land quota and promised them to take up the issues of old age pensioners standing on the queue with the Ipelegeng office.

With regards to WUC not responding to faults on time, he said he would take their concerns with the relevant offices. ENDS