25 Mar 2018

Government has taken a decision to improve the conditions of roads to production zones, President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said.

Speaking at a fully packed  farewell kgotla meeting in  Ghanzi on March 23, President Khama said Cabinet had approved the decision two weeks ago and the process would start in the next financial year.

He said some roads to production would be graded, some graveled while others may be tarred.

Also, President Khama said government intended to extend electricity grid to production regions, as well as erecting of satellite clinics and police posts, together with improvement of networks services/ infrastructure in some production areas  for production convenience.

President Khama was responding to a plea from Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North,Mr Noah Salakae who requested for improvement of conditions of Qabo /Grootlaagte road because they were in the  production regions.

Concerning Mr Salakae’s request for streets light in Ghanzi Township, President Khama advised that if the council had no funds to erect the streets light, the township could use the constituency funds.

Also, President Khama said government was in the process of renovating and modernising the current Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) plant at Lobatse, so that it could be more effective.

He said government would spend over P300 million towards modernising the plant.

Further, he said the process of involving farmers to be part and parcel of management or decision makers at BMC was already under way.

This arrangement, the President said, would enable the voice of farmers to be heard or their interest to be considered or met as their representatives will be part of decision making.

Still at the kgotla meeting former area Member of Parliament, Mr Johnny Swartz saidPresident Khama took presidency to another level as he was always interacting with all members of the community regardless of their status.

Mr Swartz said through the Presidential Housing Appeal initiative, many Batswana had a roof over their heads and he cultivated the spirit of giving among Batswana, which he said would be a long lasting legacy.

On the other hand, Mr Swartz told the outgoing president that the Ghanzi Township had a challenge of lack of storm water drainage system, the project which he said was deferred during world economic melt down together with the construction of an airport.

Public officers’ representative, Ghanzi Senior school head teacher, Mr Batshidi Tsae commended the outgoing President for taking bold decision even though they were unpopular particularly during trying times of recession.

President Khama conceded that economic turndown spoilt and frustrated his plans to help and develop Batswana, as many project were deferred because of lack of funds as available funds were channeled to critical projects.

During the same period, he said the country was overwhelmed by many challenges, such asFoot and Mouth Disease, drought, water and electricity supply challenges and the minerals prices went down. However he said he did the best he could. end