15 Dec 2019

MP for Gaborone North Mr Mpho Balopi has given the State-Of-Nation Address (SONA) a thumbs-up saying it addressed all important aspects that affect the nation.

In his debate recently, Mr Balopi said following renewed mandate after the 12th National Elections, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi delivered a fair presentation of the SONA, which also enlightened Batswana about the transformation agenda of his administration.

“Just like his message on the campaign trail, the 2019 SONA was realistic and informative,” he said.

He said since assuming office, President Masisi had resuscitated the spirit of consultation that Botswana was well known for.

He said the current administration placed citizens at the epicentre of its national development agenda, hence consultation was key to ensure that citizens were involved in the development process.

Mr Balopi said the mandate bestowed on Botswana Democratic Party through a vote would be upheld with the utmost respect and without complacency.

He said with general elections have come and gone, it was time to pull together and deliver, in order to advance the country for the common good.

He said Batswana yearned for a responsive government that heeded their plight.

In this regard, he said it was plausible that the government responded to remuneration adjustment for civil service after many years of absence of such, following the economic growth of 4.5 per cent in 2018.

He commended the government for coming up with interventions that promoted export orientated businesses.

He expressed confidence on the transformation agenda laid by President Masisi coupled with opening up Botswana to other states and the region, which he said would bring good to the country.

“I commend President Masisi for strengthening diplomatic relations with the countries that he visited because we live in a global village and such posture demonstrates our seriousness to work together with our peers for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” he stated.

He said government prioritised job creation through value chains of digital innovation, agriculture, mining, tourism, education automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, indigenous and manufacturing industries.

He said through introduction of Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Bill, whistle blowers protection and other administrative protocols geared towards fighting corruption, the integrity and transparency of governance system would improve.

Mr Balopi said government intended to create a conducive environment for free and independent media that would regulate itself.

He further said there would be a comprehensive constitutional, review and that education and training would improve, as well as the achievement of the envisioned Knowledge Based Economy.

Mr Balopi argued that through reforms such as Ease of Doing Business and relaxation of immigration laws, the government would create a conducive environment for private sector growth.

He further said government would deliver on quality health care services, re-orientate social protection programmes for the poor and improve industrial relations.

With regards to Gaborone North Constituency, he called for an urgent solution to the stench that emanated from sewerage ponds at Tsholefelo East.

He said proper treatment should be put in place to eliminate the smell permanently, which he said, haunted residents.

“I am happy to report that I am in talks with Minister Mzwinila to find a lasting solution on this matter. The sooner a plan of solving the situation is rolled out, the better,” he said.

He said Gaborone North residents would not rest until a proper treatment plant was in place and the stench was permanently eliminated.

He suggested that the ponds could offer an opportunity for aqua tourism after the treatment process. Mr Balopi also said Gaborone North residents looked forward to reviewing of land tenure laws and expected government to consider means of making water and electricity connections more accessible.

He also said he would work with the private sector and the business community to assist Gaborone North residents who reside in freehold farms to be assisted with internal road infrastructure and provision of street lights. Ends