30 Jul 2019

While the people are busy assessing different political parties in preparation for electing a new government, the current government is reviewing National Development Plan 11 to align it with priority issues of national interest.

This was said by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi when addressing a kgotla meeting in Shoshong on July 30.

  The President said even though government’s term of office was coming to an end, it was fully engaged in servicing the plan by implementing projects that were of national interest.

“It is time to reflect on what we have been doing and align our plans with national challenges. We are at a point where we assess progress of the plan and prioritise appealing projects, he said. 

 Dr Masisi said projects that would be prioritised were those addressing pressing challenges.

One of the priority issues, he said,  was  improving reticulation of potable water.

He expressed the hope that Parliament would approve the proposed funds for the project. 

   Noting that telecommunications was vital to the growth of the business sector, the President said improvement of internet access was therefore one of the priority projects of his government.

“We must be at par with technological advancement,” said Dr Masisi.

He said availability of internet services in villages like Shoshong would not only reduce costs of starting businesses but contribute immensely to the growth and diversification of the economy. 

“You must appreciate the importance of technology in modern day life, as it will ease how we do business,” he said.

Dr Masisi said the changes proposed by government would only be possible if the people of Shoshong and the nation as a whole were ready to adapt adding that available markets globally would only be accessed by those who had adjusted.

 On other matters, the President said as his government was on the verge of completing its term of governance, it was important to acknowledge the trust bestowed on them by the people.

He said the nation had been enjoying peace and tranquility made possible by its people including the Shoshong community who he said had contributed immensely in making Botswana a shining example of democracy.

 President Masisi therefore applauded residents of Shoshong for their contribution in nurturing democracy in Botswana.

Dr Masisi stated that democracy was the backbone of a united nation together with the principles of the rule of law and consultation.

The President said the people’s major contribution in the democratic process was to partake in national polls and therefore encouraged all those who had registered to vote.

He  however advised residents to be cautious at the polls and elect a government which would uphold Botswana’s democratic principles. Ends