09 Apr 2020

Member of Parliament for Goodhope/Mabule, Mr Eric Molale says a six-month state of emergency will afford government time to properly plan on measures to contain the COVID-19 disease.

Commenting on request by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to extend state of emergency from 28 days to six months, Mr Molale said the duration intended, among others, to provide efficient social protection.

He said the six months would also allow government to engage temporary staff, especially social workers to help in curbing further spread of the coronavirus in the country.

He said the Constitution should be followed, but at the same time lives of Batswana should be protected against the Coronavirus.

On the other hand, Nkange MP, Dr Never Tshabang argued that the state of emergency should be aligned to the 28 days lockdown.

Dr Tshabang said the current 28-day lockdown was sufficient, adding it also should be done in stages.

He said a six-month state of emergency couldnot allow normalcy if there was a release period following the lockdown. ENDS