29 Nov 2022

Government is investing on improving internet connectivity and offering services online through the SmartBots initiative, says Tlokweng Member of Parliament Mr Thulagano Segokgo in his debate of the State-of-the-Nation Address, Monday.

Mr Segokgo, also the Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, said internet connectivity was part of the national drive towards digital transformation and the President’s RESET agenda.

He said government sought to ensure no one was left behind by providing greater access to internet connectivity through the Village Connectivity Project under SmartBots and by improving broadband speed and pricing.

In addition, Mr Segokgo said online service and content were also being utilised to improve services, citing the example of how this year’s Population Census employed digital methods to aid in the organisation of information collected. 

Mr Segokgo said as the President announced, Botswana would launch its first satellite into orbit to be used for earth observation, complemented by a ground station and clean rooms, an initiative that would assist with improved data collation and research. 

On his constituency, Mr Segokgo called for improved sewerage reticulation and better storm water drainage system in Tlokweng, which he said was necessary for an area with a large population.

He expressed hope that the upcoming transitional National Development Plan (NDP) would address this situation.

Mr Segokgo said the increasing rate of crime was worrisome and Tlokweng needed a satellite police stations to improve policing in the village.  

He said while solar power is important given the country’s ample sunshine, Botswana should also invest in cleaner means of using coal for power generation given its abundance in the country. Ends