09 Nov 2017

Member of Parliament for Tati West, Mr Biggie Butale has called for open borders for targeted selective immigration entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the State Of the Nation Address delivered by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on November 6, Mr Butale said the move would increase avenues for potential investors who were likely to start up businesses in the cities.

“Immigrant-run businesses can also be a boom to economic growth and social inclusion for cities and regions, thus attracting new residents and boosting the GDP,” he said.

He said progressive countries like Canada, Dubai and America were doing well because they have removed obstacles that prevent immigrant entrepreneurs.

Mr Butale also called for dual carriage way that runs from Ramatlabama to Ramokgwebana to ease movement of goods.

He said such an artery that would create necessary movement to propel the economy to greater heights as compared to the current situation where goods were delayed to reach their destinations.

Maun East MP, Mr Konstantinos Markus commended government for making health a priority as clinics were accessible every 5km radius, something he said was rare in most countries.

He further commended government for continuing to create temporary jobs under Ipelegeng which he said sustained most families.

“Ipelegeng is doing well in rural communities and our people keep calling for more slots. It shows they appreciate the programme, even if it is temporary,” he said.

MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana said SONA was the usual template and did not offer anything new.

He said the President failed to update the nation as to how much was done to create job opportunities, an issue which he said government had failed the nation on.

He said he was worried that technical students were missing out for industrial training and only acquired theory, which he said was not helping them because they were not industry ready.

“The BDP government only boast of numbers of students in technical schools, but they are not taught well,” he said.

He further decried lack of water in the southern region, despite the fact that most dams currently have the capacity to provide drinking water.

Mr Rantuana condemned Water Utilities Corporation for failing to repair leaking pipes in his constituency as this prohibits free flow of water.

He also complained that land allocation was moving at a snail’s pace.

While MP for Nata-Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga commended President Khama for the legacy he leaves behind.

He said the President performed well in most of the deliverables he had put for himself, but was failed by those who were supposed to implement.

Mr Majaga who was of the view that job creation was a responsibility for all, said there was no point in crucifying government for failing to create employment because programmes such as YDF and others were designed for that and it was up to leaders to cascade them to the public.

He called on government to explore more opportunities through Sowa Pan’s beneficiation drive to create employment opportunities.

“Industries dealing with Soda Ash may revitalise Sowa Pan and benefit people living in the localities of Sowa,” he said.

He decried water shortage despite the abundance of water in the dams after the aftermath of Dineo. ENDS