16 Jun 2022

Some members of the business community in Maun have urged the government to address some issues that hinder them to operate sustainable businesses.

While they appreciated government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the country, as well as well as tackling issues of bureaucracy, members noted that some government departments frustrated their efforts of doing business and contributing meaningfully to the economy.

They aired their concerns during their interaction with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, cabinet ministers and senior government officials, which was aimed at preparing the business community for the anticipated investment flows resulting of the President’s recent international trips to lure investors.

Maun Business Council chairman, Mr James Evans said some of the impediments had been pending for years.

He cited prohibition of marketing  their businesses using roadside signage advertisement, which he said was imposed by  the local authority.

“This issue has been going in circles for a long time and I wish it can be looked into, to find a lasting solution,” he added.

Mr Evans also decried the delay in change of land use and issuance of new certificates, noting that the land board took more than two years to assist them, which was a serious impediment as the intention was to do business and help government in creation of employment opportunities.

Mr Evans also complained about illegal mining in the district, saying relevant authorities were too slow to curb the situation, which resulted in companies licensed to undertake the business running at loss.

 A horticulture farmer, Ms Gaotshwarwe Otimile decried lack of market, despite the government efforts to ban imports of some vegetables. She noted that local farmers were making efforts to ensure continuous and adequate supply of vegetables to meet the national demand, but market was a challenge and yet they were incurring costs in buying seeds and petrol.

Some farmers, she said were now skeptical to invest and continuously produce more because there was no guarantee that food retailers and government departments would buy from them.

Mr Spencer Ledimo appreciated the government’s interventions aimed at cushioning some enterprises during difficult COVID 19 pandemic times, but complained that the set requirements were a challenge for some enterprises.

Some entrepreneurs, he said were in debt and the commercial banks were unable to assist them despite submitting sound proposals. She therefore requested government to intervene. 

Ms Tebogo Andrea complained about the increase on park fees amid COVID-19 pandemic and called on the government to revisit the issue, saying the increase was a serious blow on the tourism industry, especially to those operating mobile safaris.

She noted that the fees had been increased from P100 per person for entrance fee in parks/reserves per night to P200 per day.

“We are experiencing postponement of trips due to the increase and we are unable to sustain our businesses. I wish the government could at least exempt guides from the fees,” she added.

The chairperson of Maun Women in Business Association (WIBA), Ms Christinah Leshego concurred that some industries such bakery, horticulture, poultry and textile were challenged as far as market was concerned.

She said efforts were made to request for the establishment of agricultural market but it seemed their efforts were in vain. While she appreciated government policies and programmes in place, she said implementation was a challenge.

WIBA, she said was involved in the lucrative trade scheme known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for better profits, but implementation was failing. Ms Leshego said AGOA was an opportunity for Botswana businesses as it offered readily available market. 

“We are failing to utilise it,” she added. ENDS