13 Nov 2013

Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Kentse Rammidi has challenged government to pay particular attention and invest in the devolution of authority and decentralisation to resources.

Debating the State-of-the Nation Address, Mr Rammidi explained that devolution of authority will transfer powers from central government to local entities in an effort to give the local entities full autonomy for overall management of their operations.

He said it was important to promote decentralisation of resources to local resources as the devolved authorities would give the local authorities  the power to make relevant legislation to the community they served that will in the long run have a positive impact in their life.

Mr Rammidi contended that decentralisation promoted popular participation in national socio-economic developments as decisions are made at local level  as well as their implementation hence accountability is greatly enhanced.

He criticized  government for transferring major services like health and external roads from the local government to central government something with he said is undemocratic, adding that decentralization makes people feel that they are an effective part of the state.

He said government cannot pride its self for attaining democratic stability as per paragraph four of the state- of- the nation-address while the women representation in decision making bodies particularly in active politics is appalling.

He said there is high gender inequality in political cycles in this country and the situation is bound to deteriorate should the current government not come up with special electoral reforms, in the form of proportional representation geared towards encouraging more women to be actively involved in politics.

He however applauded Parliament for adopting the motion on political party funding but decried the reluctance of the ruling government to pass and implement certain motions that are adopted at Parliament. This, he said adds to the undemocratic status that Botswana is in.

He urged the current to government to promptly respond to decisions taken in parliament in order to nurture democracy in the country. Mr Rammidi further said the culture of democratic accountability does not prevail in Botswana since there is no accountability to ensure that public projects are well monitored and completed within stipulated period.

He said those in power should be held responsible and accountable for the failure and poor workmanship of projects saying that government is losing money through  the delay in completion of projects. Ends