29 Nov 2022

Role players tasked with the implementation of the envisaged National Transition Plan have been challenged to double efforts to ensure its timely delivery and intended purpose. 

The sentiments were expressed by Serowe North MP, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe, in his response to the ongoing State-of-the-Nation Address debate in Parliament. 

He further called on government to monitor implementation to avoid past failures. 

Mr Mathoothe said the two-year plan, as highlighted by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, had been tabled before Parliament for consideration in the current meeting. 

While he embraced the plan, he expressed worry over what he termed ‘lack of delivery’. 

He, therefore, suggested that the plan should spell out what could be done to strengthen it going forward and pleaded with cabinet ministers to work round the clock to ensure its success. 

He expressed concern that while the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP) had detailed projects aimed at restoring economic activities amidst the COVID-19 scourge, most of such projects had not been done to date. 

He said the milk processing plant in Serowe, which had potential for business growth had not been developed, despite the budget that was issued. 

The Serowe North legislator said the last report had indicated that a consultant would be engaged but there has been no progress. 

He said where possible, experts within the ministry should be engaged for timely delivery of services. 

On the RESET Agenda, he said, it should start with legislators challenging them to change the way they conducted Parliament business.  He said it was time they embraced motions not along party lines, but how they shall benefit Batswana. 

He said the Economic Inclusion Bill was a beautiful piece of legislation that was likely to resuscitate Batswana. 

On agriculture, Mr Mathoothe, said the pandemic had been an eye-opener as food prices shot up especially cooking oil. 

He noted that Botswana was one of the best sunflower producing countries and called for the establishment of a sunflower plantation that would manufacture cooking oil in sync with the citrus project. 

He said Pandamatenga still had land reserved, which could be explored such that Botswana could be at par with countries like Ukraine and sell regionally to close the gap. 

He said the Dikabea Dam agriculture component which was expected now stalled. 

Mr Mathoothe expressed dismay at the level of poor management of some projects, which failed agric production. 

He said the national herd was also affected by cattle rustling syndicates citing the daily reports of livestock theft. 

He said hotspots should be monitored by stock theft units. 

Mr Mathoothe said criminal activities were reversing efforts such as presidential bull donations which were meant to assist. Ends