10 Dec 2023

The National Planning Commission (NPC) Bill, received blessings from the majority of legislators who contributed to its debate on Wednesday.

The Bill's objective is to establish NPC, which will be a central point for the planning of all national projects. 

Taking the floor after the Bill was presented, Mmadinare legislator, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi said NPC would help distribute development projects fairly across the country.

“This will address the practice where development projects were mostly distributed depending on which member of parliament was the most vocal,” he said.

He also applauded the decision to detach the planning commission from the financing unit at the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Molebatsi also applauded President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for the many government reforms since ascending to the presidency.

Maun East legislator, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile said he was doubtful the development would bring any changes to the current development planning.

He said this was more so that the development process was still the same, and that the NPC's advisory committee also had the potential to influence distribution of development projects as its members were not necessarily apolitical.

Specially elected legislator, Ms Beauty Manake said the NPC would also play a part in boosting local businesses as it would prioritise projects looking at national interests.

“Such national interests may include major road networks that link this country to others, hence boosting our participation in the African Free Trade Area,” she said.

She said this would then boost the country's Gross Domestic Product.

For her part, the Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame suggested that the composition of the NPC be such that its vice president comes from outside government, which she said would bring in a different voice.

She said although the NPC would now be housed under the State President, her ministry as the financier would still work hand in hand with it to ensure that the planning was realistic and practical.

She said the establishment of the NPC would also relieve her ministry and allow it to focus solely on issues of finance.

Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Mr David Tshere argued that the establishment of NPC was unnecessary as the main challenge with government projects was not planning, but monitoring, evaluation and implementation. 

He opined that that was where government could have strived to improve.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale cautioned legislators against preempting the Bill before implementation.

For the country to attain the six per cent GDP growth per annum as envisaged by Vision 2036, he said such changes as the NPC were necessary.

For his part, Francistown South legislator, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi raised concern that most critical government organs were concentrated at the Office of the President.

He labelled such an arrangement an anomaly that was open to abuse.

“NPC was just fine at the Ministry of Finance because they had a framework for prioritising projects,” he said. ends