27 Dec 2018

Residents of villages in the Boteti West constituency have been advised to invest in arable land.

Area MP, also country’s vice president, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, advised residents to lease their land to investors.

He was speaking in Khumaga, Moreomaoto, Motopi and Makalamabedi on Christmas Eve where he handed hampers to orphaned and destitute children.

Mr Tsogwane said it was unfortunate for land marked for agricultural purposes to lie idle while the country was grappling with high expenditure on imports.

He said cultivating land would not only sustain the country in food security, but will, among other things, create employment opportunities and ultimately contribute to economic diversification.

He said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was engaged in harnessing meaningful relationships with regional and international leaders for the growth of the country.

He, therefore, advised residents to take advantage of potential areas of economic grow.

Mr Tsogwane said, “all sectors of the economy must be in the hands of Batswana and where a need arises collaborate with potential investors from other countries.”

Responding to comments from Kgosi Keeditse Orapeleng of Khumaga and Kgosi Baletlanyi Kenewendo of Motopi relating to human wildlife conflict, Mr Tsogwane said government recently commissioned a delegation to consult Batswana on the issue.

“Our wild animals must be kept safely in areas demarcated for wildlife conservation, away from communal areas. We will make sure that they do not get extinct.”

On other issues, Mr Tsogwane informed the communities in Boteti West that government was engaged in fighting corruption as one of the challenges impeding on economic growth and diversification.

He, however, said government through the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) will fight corruption and urged the community to assist.

Meanwhile, investment, trade and industry minister, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, has also appealed to the residents of the four villages to focus on developing the economy.

She said, through her ministry, government was determined to provide an enabling environment for potential investors. ENDS