13 Feb 2025

Tswapong South Legislator, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang says the budget speech was not just presentation of funds allocation but a political statement on what the new government intends to do.

However, he said it was unfortunate to observe a disparity between the Umbrella for Democratic Change manifesto and what was delivered in the budget speech.

Responding to the budget speech recently, he said there were signs that UDC government was not abiding by what they promised the nation.

He said considering that the UDC inherited a financially struggling government, it was unfortunate to observe that they prioritised increasing the number of specially elected councillors who were getting ward allowances without being cautious that it would deplete the coffers.

Dr Gobotswang also challenged appointment of some senior government officials saying transparency could have prevailed. He said the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) was advocating for building an economy that would be driven by among others, the manufacturing sector.

The MP also added that social protection safety nets must be targeted to only sectors of the society that were in need. He said the assessment tools used to assess those eligible to be covered by social services were due for review.

Dr Gobotswang said National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) was one of the state owned enterprises that should be audited. For his part, Chobe legislator, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga said the budget was not people centred and inclusive as perceived.

“When in short of funds, get your priorities right,” he said, adding that a hospital was a priority in his area and it was unfortunate to observe that tourism projects were given priority over livelihoods of the people in Chobe.

He said the proposed infrastructure development to turn Kasane into a tourism destination of choice meant relocating community members and disturbing their established way of living.

He said the budget could have highlighted how the lives of marginalised groups and vulnerable members of the society would be empowered through sectors of manufacturing and agriculture.

He said for the economy to grow and diversify, funding should focus on agriculture and its associated research projects.

Mr Mapulanga emphasised the importance of establishing a seed bank, adding that most of the weeds that were difficult to control came with imported seeds. He called for establishment of industries to facilitate production of fertilisers.

He said in a growing world where the use of technology was emphasised, cyber-security was a serious challenge and therefore it was important to tighten the loose ends to protect the nation from cyber-crime and cyber-bullying. ENDS