22 Mar 2020

Leader of the Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando says the threat faced by the country against COVID-19 requires unity amongst all political parties.

Reading a statement in Parliament on Friday, Mr Saleshando said while Botswana has not registered a single case of coronavirus, the disease should find a nation that was ready and united to deny it an opportunity of spreading as it had done in other countries where it had left a trail of dead bodies and anguish.

Mr Saleshando called on Batswana to  comply with all interventions that had been proposed by government to prevent possible infection.

He said some of the interventions amounted to disruption of long-held traditions, but that the nation had to comply for its survival.

“Should the virus be detected in Botswana necessitating the response to shift from prevention to containment this will of necessity be accompanied by more interventions that may limit our constitutional freedoms,”  he said.

He said those entrusted with the responsibility of directing the national response should be given the space to execute their mandate as advised by health experts.

Mr  Saleshando paid tribute to people whose duty has placed them at the frontline of the war against the virus.

“We are all alive to the shortage of resources that they require to fully execute their mandate. The men and women at all points of entry and health facilities are our source of pride and hope that the enemy can be kept at bay and will not taste victory within our borders” he said.

He added that communication to the public should be clear and unequivocal at all times.

Mr Saleshando said press releases and announcements should not leave room for doubt on what the intended message was.

He commended President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for taking control of the coordination of all activities related to preventative measures and response to the possible outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

The Maun West MP welcomed the government’s decision to close all learning institutions.

“Although this is a major disruption to the education sector, the inconvenience is dwarfed by the risk of having learners congregate in large numbers at schools daily,” he said.

He said they hoped the government would consider additional measures to decongest all public offices and allow those who were able to work from home to do so, including teachers.

He warned that there would be economic consequences and said some commentators had said the virus would kill more businesses than people.

He said there should be a robust and comprehensive plan to help businesses, families and individuals withstand the financial aftershock of the COVID-19 nightmare.

“The corona linked staff layoffs have started in Botswana and workers face a bleak future should government not hastily announce its plan to save jobs. Our expectation is that at the earliest possible opportunity, the president will address the nation on plans to save jobs and ensure that Botswana remains open for business after corona,” he said.

Mr Saleshando said the country should remain on high alert to minimise the risk. ENDS