15 Feb 2024

New projects are set to begin in the coming months thus creating much-needed employment opportunities.

Member of Parliament for Good Hope/Mabule and Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale said Tuesday in Parliament when debating the 2024/25 budget proposal.

Expressing his support for the budget, he noted that it emphasised on infrastructure projects which was the best way to stimulate economic growth.

“Projects are the best stimulus for growth,” Mr Molale told fellow parliamentarians.

He said there were 146 projects  to be implemented through the Development Manager (DM) model, which was recently introduced in an effort to deliver projects of desired quality on time and within budget.

Of the 146 projects, he said, 65 were ready to start between February and March. Mr Molale said the commencement of the projects was the beginning of the rollout of the stimulus budget. He added that upon approval of the budget, more projects would be undertaken and thus creating additional jobs.

He said six hospital projects and seven road projects were expected to begin between March and April.

Mr Molale also praised President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for his commitment to transforming the economy to high-income status and empowering Batswana, adding that his leadership was bold and brave.

He said the introduction of the DM model was a game changer and that it would ensure that locals, benefitted from tender awards except in cases where specialised expertise was not available locally.

Furthermore, he said government’s economic development and empowerment programmes such as Temo Letlotlo were functional with some experiencing expected teething problems.

On other issues, Mr Molale said there was need to prevent the Foot and Mouth Disease from spreading into his constituency from neighbouring South Africa.

Also supporting the budget, Nata/Gweta MP, Mr Polson Majaga  said the stimulus budget as announced by Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame came at the right time when the country was faced with drought. He said the budget would cushion  the severe effects of the drought.

The MP added that the Botswana Democratic Party led government had done a lot for Batswana and deserved to be retained to power due to its track record.

Mr Majaga also praised the Chema Chama Fund, saying it would improve small businesses.

On the introduction of political party funding, Mr Majaga said it was a welcome development and that it would help politicians. ENDS