21 Dec 2022

Parliament approved a budget of P388 million for the Ministry of Justice and its independent institutions as part of the Public Investment Programme (PIP) estimates of the Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP).

Tabling the request on Tuesday, the Minister of Justice, Mr Machani Shamukuni told the National Assembly that a sum of P120.4 million was necessary for computerisation and infrastructure projects at the Ministry headquarters, including the development of asset management system for the Office of the Receiver and Legal Aid Office digitisation.

In addition, Mr Shamukuni said the ministry intends to upgrade the Dukwi Refugee Camp and upgrade the clinic in the area. Other planned developments are water supply rehabilitation, maintenance of staff housing, construction of access roads and paving of internal roads as well as construction of conference facilities at the refugee camp.

Furthermore, Mr Shamukuni said the ministry would undertake the construction of warehouses in Gaborone and Francistown for the Office of the Receiver and the establishment of Legal Aid offices in Francistown, Letlhakane and Kasane.

An estimated P34 million is requested for the Attorney General’s Chambers for implementation of the takeover of prosecution functions from the Botswana Police Service, including the opening of satellite offices and procuring vehicles, Mr Shamukuni said.

He told Parliament that the Attorney General’s Chambers head office would be refurbished while the air condiMr Shamukuni also sought approximately P21 million for the establishment of the divisions of the Industrial Court at Kanye and Maun. He also said the Gaborone Industrial Court would be expanded for additional operational space. ENDS