15 Aug 2019

Establishing working relations regionally and internationally is vital for economic growth and diversification, says Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. 

“You cannot grow an economy without harnessing business relationships with other nations,” he said during a series of kgotla meetings he addressed in his Boteti East constituency recently.

Mr Tsogwane said a diversified and stable economy could create more employment saying peace and tranquility were not enough to turn the country into an investment destination of choice. 

On corruption, Mr Tsogwane said government was determined to put in place measures geared towards fighting the scourge. 

He said the passing of the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Bill in the just ended  Parliament sitting testified to that   fact. 

The legislation, he said, would guard against misuse of government funds and other corrupt practices. 

Mr Tsogwane said the bill covered politicians, senior government officials and those involved in government tendering processes as a way of curbing corrupt practices in ministries and departments. 

On other issues, Mr Tsogwane informed his constituents that government was equally concerned by the developmental challenges affecting the nation. 

Mr Tsogwane was however, appreciative of the fact that the development plans either at district or national levels were finalized after thorough consultation with communities. 

He said even though projects were prioritised in development plans, there was need to revisit the plans and change priorities where possible.

The vice president said NDP 11 midterm review would, funds permitting, cater for additional projects not initially included in   the plan.  

The development agenda was not only a process but must also respond to emerging challenges, he said.  

Mr Tsogwane said one of the pertinent issues which was likely to affect the priority list of development plans was the increase in human population.

Rsidents of Mokobaxane, Orapa and Mopipi heard that  government  had responded positively to the nation’s concerns about Botswana Meat Commission (BMC)operations. 

For instance, he said farmers were of the view that the BMC monopoly on the beef industry was not beneficial as the abattoir also controlled buying prices.

Mr Tsogwane said therefore opening up the sector to allow for competition would benefit cattle farmers and ultimately increase the livestock population which was reported to be on a decline. 

“BMC will operate as a private entity with government holding a 10 per cent stake of the company. This will make BMC grow, face competition from other competitors in the beef industry and even be free to search for other reputable markets for their product,” he said. 

Mr Tsogwane also updated the communities on the drought situation and advised farmers to sell their cattle to BMC while in good shape and get satisfactory returns. Ends