25 Nov 2020

 The level of inequality and high rates of unemployment in Botswana remains a daunting challenge.

The observation was made by Bobonong MP, Mr Taolo Lucas when contributing to the ongoing debates on SONA.

Mr Lucas said evidence of persistent and extreme poverty was visible in certain areas such as Kgalagadi, Ngami, and Kweneng West.

He said the acute levels of inequality must be addressed while developments must be distributed fairly and equally to all citizens.

He noted that settlements around the country were hard hit by high levels of unemployment due to lack of economic activities and called on the government to establish some form of employment.

 Mr Lucas said government was overspending on some projects while exorbitant charges also resulted in cost overruns. 

He said allegations of corruption were also disturbing and delayed developments.

He noted that for the past four years, the World Happiness Index report indicated a slump in performance by Botswana, which meant that besides being classified a middle upper-income economy, Batswana were generally an unhappy nation.

He said his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, had advocated for the adjustment of minimum wage and pleaded with the government to consider heeding their call to make ordinary Motswana take part in the economy. 

He said the P400 paid as disability allowance was low and exacerbated the living conditions of beneficiaries.

He appealed the government to facilitate cluster fencing to deal with human-wildlife conflict. 

He added that compensation for wildlife damage needed to be reviewed. ends