19 Dec 2022

In budgeting just over P6 billion for the Ministry of Defence to cover the next two government financial years of the Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP), government is looking to invest in ensuring a more secure nation.

This was revealed by the Minister of Defence, Mr Kagiso Mmusi when tabling the ministry request of the Public Investment Programme (PIP) funding for the TNDP, which was approved by the National Assembly on Thursday. Mr Mmusi said government sought to improve national security, which was a key enabler for economic and social development.

“National peace and security issues have always been an indispensable condition for the well-being of our people. Provision of national security is fundamental for economic development and prosperity. A robust and credible security system provides an enabling environment that boosts the country’s ability to attract investment as well as global competitiveness,” Mr Mmusi said.

Tabling the proposal, Mr Mmusi sought the National Assembly to approve approximately P4.2 billion for the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to be utilised for the provision of equipment, aircrafts and vehicles in order to strengthen the force capability in addressing security challenges and emerging threats including poaching and border incursions as well as the acquisition of housing units to address shortage of staff accommodation.

Furthermore, Mr Mmusi requested approximately P1.4 billion for the Botswana Police Service developmental activities over the period under review. That budget would be utilised for enhancing the use of technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology (drones).

“Furthermore, the Safer City Project which is a video surveillance system will be expanded in Gaborone and Francistown to enhance policing; recruitment of more police officers to increase police visibility, construction of more police posts, police stations, base camps and staff accommodation across the country,” Mr Mmusi said.

He also revealed that there would also be the refurbishment of some police stations across the country as well as installation and networking of the same to allow for access to e-services among others.

As a longer-term intervention, Mr Mmusi said government would establish a Border Police Unit, which would be responsible for border security.

For the Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation, Mr Mmusi outlined a budget proposal of roughly P392 million for the fencing of prison facilities in selected prisons; the purchase of prisons security equipment; fleet expansion; the construction of the prisons headquarters building and staff housing.

The Gaborone Women’s Prison as well as the construction of Sepopa prison farm, purchase of communications equipment; the introduction of a Case Management system, and development of Prisons Management System, among others also form part of the budget, the minister said.

Mr Mmusi also tabled a P4.9 million request for Ministry headquarters to be utilised for the support and maintenance of private security licensing system, procurement of new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment as well as purchase of vehicles for the newly established Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Management Authority.

Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the ministry TNDP budget proposal after an extensive debate. ENDS