17 Nov 2022

The recent decision to grant Botswana the right to host the Kimberley Process is a sign of progress made by the country in becoming a recognised international hub .

  These sentiments were expressed by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, also Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi in his contribution to the debate on the State-of-the-Nation Address on Wednesday.

Mr Moatlhodi told Parliament that President Masisi had strategically positioned Botswana in the international community, depicted by the country hosting global events such as the Forbes Under 30 event and others.

He also lauded government through the Ministry of Land and Water Affairs for working to empower Batswana by availing of basic services.

Mr Moatlhodi said government was committed to the fast-tracking of land allocation of as many as 100 000 plots across the country. 

He also cited efforts to provide water countrywide through the Mmamashia, Gamononyane and Lobatse Water projects under the National Water Masterplan which he said were commendable.

Nonetheless, Mr Moatlhodi said there was need to improve the waterworks system in his constituency in order to ensure efficient distribution of water in the broader Tonota area.

He decried the delay in the construction of the road linking the villages of Mmandunyane, Shashe Mooke, Borolong, Chadibe and Mathangwane which he said had long been on the National Development Plan (NDP) pipeline for about 15 years spanning Parliaments in four post-electoral cycles. 

He added that there was a need for a second primary school at Shashe Mooke and the rehabilitation of existing education and health infrastructure in his constituency. 

He called for government to seek a solution to spiralling violent crime nationally stating that while he wanted the criminal justice system to be more proactive in dealing with criminals, it was important to address prevention and rehabilitation. 

Mr Moatlhodi said he hoped measures to address youth unemployment and the opening of job opportunities at new mines would possibly lead to the youth being engaged in constructive activity and becoming less attracted to criminal life. Ends