What does a P28 billion budget shortfall mean for ordinary families in Kanye West? Residents of Mongala Ward turned up in numbers to hear from Kanye West MP, Mr Victor Phologolo, as he unpacked the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill, blending exciting opportunities in agriculture and infrastructure with sincere answers to community misunderstandings.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Mongala ward recently, Mr Phologolo said the national budget outlined P103.6 billion in total expenditure, supported by expected revenue of P74.4 billion, leaving a P28 billion shortfall amid declining diamond revenues. 

Mr Phologolo used the platform to underscore the urgent push for economic diversification, citing focus on agriculture and youth empowerment. 

He said a major highlight was a P1.2 billion loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at fighting hunger through commercial farming. With Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) disrupting goats and sheep, he said the government was prioritising the poultry industry value-chain through CEDA.

This initiative offered citizens clear pathways into production, processing, and marketing, with ready markets locally and internationally, he said, adding that support packages included funding for youth projects from family homes ranging from P500 to P50,000, abattoir development up to P200,000, full grants for women and youth, and a 50 per cent grant plus 50 percent loan structure for men. 

He reiterated that the programme targeted 50 000 families across 20 districts, including startups, and linked well with initiatives like Ikageng programe which encourages hands-on skills development amongst citizens, a strategy toward economic diversification. 

On the infrastructure development phase, Mr Phologolo said already through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) government had revised strategies to cut import dependence. Likewise, he said Botswana currently spends P5 billion yearly on electricity from Eskom, but new local generation projects, including the Landmark 500MW Maun Solar Project, would allow the country to sell power back to the Southern African Power Pool.

He further said for Kanye region, P10 million has been allocated for road repairs in Kanye, P50 million for improved electricity access, P74 million for sanitation, and P44 million for portable water. 

On other direct developments, he said Mongala Ward would receive a police satellite porta-cabin to be installed behind Mongala Mall to offer extension services to residents and a tower light to address the extreme darkness in the area. 

The legislator encouraged Mongala residents, particularly youth and women, to seize the available grants and training opportunities as practical steps toward poverty reduction and self-reliance.

He assured residents that medicines have been procured and were at the Central Medical Stores (CMS), with a national update expected soon. He confirmed goats remain part of the new agricultural programmes, though currently in a strategic pause because of FMD outbreak.

On Kanye Hospital, Mr Phologolo said the project has shifted to a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, citing ballooned contracts in the initial Development Manager (MD) model, adding that of late contractor vetting was underway, with further updates to be given to the community once consultations were done. The meeting reflected meaningful budgetary interventions in agriculture and infrastructure, tempered by urgent calls for improved healthcare, inflation control, and broader economic opportunities. 

While many welcomed the poultry programme and developments cited by the member of parliament, one resident Mr Tsima Gabanakgosi thanked Mr Phologolo for small business support and suggested temporary border closures to shield the poultry programme which was currently in its rolling out. 

On other issues, Mr Gabanakgosi highlighted critical shortages of medication in government facilities, which he linked to rising deaths and frequent patient referrals to Gaborone. 

Another resident Ms Portia Raitsima appreciated the CEDA poultry drive but urged wider diversification, saying agriculture “is not for all” therefore calling for stronger support for manufacturing and services.

For his comments, Mr Ignatius Letlhare raised concerns about rising inflation on fuel, food, and medical aid, emphasising the need for government worker salary increments to protect even pensioners and direct beneficiary alike. ENDS