19 Nov 2017

The entrepreneurial spirit among Batswana has been said to be at a lower level compared to that of the people of other nations.

According to the MP for Lentsweletau-Mmopane Mr Vincent Seretse, in his contribution to the response to the State-Of-The-Nation-Address (SONA) in parliament on November 15, Batswana were lagging behind in their level of entrepreneurship.

Mr Seretse, who is also the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said it was in recognition of this status quo that institutions such as LEA and CEDA were set up so as to encourage Batswana to venture into businesses as well as to render them support to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.

On a different issue, the MP spoke highly of the growth rate of Botswana’s economy, saying at a 3.2 percent growth rate the country was doing better than many other countries.

He attributed the growth to among others the prudent management of the economy, pointing out that it was commendable for Botswana to have successfully been able to prudently manage its economy at a time when many countries were failing to manage theirs.

Mr Seretse also highlighted the contribution of the tourism sector to economic growth.

On the state of the economy of Selebi-Phikwe, Minister Seretse said it was not in doubt that the closure of BCL mine had brought about challenges for the town.

He however noted that there had been concerted efforts to support the town, citing the P6m that government used towards the payment of school fees for children of former BCL employees as one such effort, notwithstanding it being short-term.

For his part, MP Liakat Kably of Letlhakeng-Lephepe lamented the lack of developments in his constituency, saying it was sad for there not to be a single road project for his constituency under either NDP 11 or ESP despite the glaring need for better roads in the area.

He however expressed gratitude for the Letlhakeng internal roads and street lights.

Mr Kably also thanked government for the continued reticulation of electricity to parts of the country that previously did not enjoy such a service, saying his constituents were grateful that Boatlaname had been connected to the national power grid.

He however appealed for the connection of Monwane and Diphuduhudu to the national electricity grid.

Regarding sports, Mr Kably said it was gratifying that sports was doing well in the country and appealed for government to consider availing more funds to those sports codes whose performance was exceptional.

On health, the MP expressed concern at the state of clinics in his constituency, in particular the one in Ngware.

He said in addition to being in a general state of disrepair, the clinic was also infested with bats.

Making his contribution MP Joseph Molefe of Mahalapye West implored government to bring Special Economic Zones up to speed so that they could start playing a role in efforts to industrialise Botswana.

He said it was also vital to increase their number so that many sectors of the economy could be covered.

Mr Molefe also called upon government to intensify efforts aimed at resuscitating co-operative societies, indicating that the societies needed all the support they could get. He urged government to consider awarding them tenders as a way of helping them find some footing.

On ESP, MP Molefe commended the programme for the projects that had been undertaken in his constituency, among which he cited the electrification of Tewane, the extension of the Mahalapye main post office and the refurbishment of the old Mahalapye Police Station.

On crime, he commended the Botswana Police Service for doing a sterling job in protecting Batswana and their properties.

He nonetheless appealed for the review of the law regarding the granting of bail to suspects.

He said it was disheartening for criminals terrrorising Batswana to be arrested and soon after be released on bail.

Mr Molefe said the law should be such that once arrested, suspects would remain in custody until their cases were completed.

Also contributing to the debate, Francistown South MP Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said while during his tenure he had made many promises to the nation, President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama had in his last SONA failed to appraise Batswana on how far his government was with fulfilling those promises.

Mr Mmolotsi said among the things that Batswana had been assured of was judicial independence, a promise that he observed had not been upheld.

Mr Mmolotsi also noted that President Khama had stated that he would instill discipline in the nation but that that too had not happened.

He said one of the strategies used, being to control alcohol consumption through the introduction of the Alcohol Levy had not paid dividends.BOPA