22 Feb 2022

The P3 billion earmarked for maintenance of infrastructure should be spent wholly on citizen companies.

Debating the 2022/23 National Budget proposals on Monday, the MP for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said Parliament recently passed laws on citizen economic empowerment hence the need for government to spent the money on Batswana companies.

MP Lelatisitswe said foreigners should not bid for tenders related  for maintenance projects.

He said he supported the reduction of public service as a way  reducing the government wage bill.

He further called for the speedy privatization of State Owned Enterprises, saying this would help reduce the burden on the government purse.

MP Lelatisitswe called for the development of infrastructure in his area to help boost tourism and the beef cluster in Khwee.

Furthermore, he said capable Batswana should pay for ther children’s tuition fees sponsor  at tertiary institutions to ease the burden on government coffers.

Meanwhile, MP for Mmadinare, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi supported the expenditure switch, saying it would lead to more funds for developments.

However, he was concerned that there were no developments earmarked for his undeveloped constituency and was hopeful that the next National Development Plan (NDB) would bring changes.

Like other legislators, he called for the maintenance funds to be spent on wholly citizens owned enterprises.

He further said Batswana should also be used to source materials internationally, rather than engaging foreign companies. MP Molebatsi also called for the release of the audit of COVID-19 funds and said all those  involved in the mismanagement of the funds should be prosecuted.

He further called for the strengthening of tax collection initiatives, noting that the tax collection GDP ratio was very low. Specially Elected MP, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse commended the Minister of Health and Wellness for being able to save lives during COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Batswana should be encouraged to receive vaccinations and booster doses.

MP Autlwetse also commended the Minister of Finance and Economic Development for steering the economic ship during a tough economic environment.

He said in the midst of budgetary deficits, the government should borrow from external sources as done through the African Development Bank, saying that did not mean the economy would collapse. ends