04 Nov 2025

The justice sector remains steadfast to play a central role in upholding the role of law, protecting citizens and promoting good governance under the National Development Plan 12 (NDP12).

 To achieve these objective, the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services is proposing resource allocation to key institutions within the sector with the aim to strengthen justice delivery and enhance transparency and improve efficiency.

It is against this background that the minister,  Mr Nelson Ramaotwana requested Parliament to approve a total of P4.6 billion, of which P1.6 billion is earmarked for ongoing projects while P2.7 billion will finance new initiatives under NDP12.

 The funds, he said would ensure that justice would be served in all its facets as outlined by the manifesto of the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

“Justice lies at the heart of our national values which are democracy, unity and fairness, therefore through the interventions outlined in NDP 12, we reaffirm our commitment to building a just, accountable and inclusive Botswana,” he said.

 Mr Ramaotwana made the request before Parliament on Monday, proposing for the approval of P672 million for the Administration of Justice, while the Attorney General (AG) Chamber required P314 million.

He said the requested funds would be directed toward the refurbishment of the AG headquarters building, construction of new offices in Lobatse and Palapye as well as the take over of prosecution duties from the Botswana Police Service.

He said an amount of P244 million was proposed for the Office of the Ombudsman, with the request intended to facilitate the construction of the Office of the Ombudsman in Palapye, Maun and Francistown.

To promote fairness and efficiency in labour relations, Mr Ramaotwana requested the approval P266 million for the Industrial Court, while P386 million was needed for Justice and Correctional Services.

He further said a total of P2 billion was requested for Botswana Prison Service in relations to execution of infrastructure projects and agricultural infrastructure improvements in various prisons as well as the establishment of the prison air arm.

“The refurbishment and construction of prison facilities is to ensure that inmates are not housed in dilapidated infrastructure that does not respect their human dignity,” he said.

Furthermore, he requested a revised amount of P169 million for the Office of the Receiver to construct customised warehouses in Gaborone, Lobatse and Francistown in order to secure storage for properties entrusted to the Receiver.

The minister noted that P143 million will be needed for the Land Tribunal toward construction of offices in Palapye and Maun as well construction of staff houses to provide an enabling environment for improved service delivery and boost staff moral.

“These resources request represent a transformational investment in modernising and intergrading our justice delivery system,” he said.

Mr Ramotwana indicated that through these targeted investments, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to a justice system that is accessible, transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of all citizenry. ENDS