27 Jul 2026

Every government is entrusted with many responsibilities, but none is more fundamental than protecting the lives, dignity and aspirations of its people.

Supporting the law enforcement agencies is therefore not merely an operational responsibility but it is an investment in public confidence, national stability and the future of the country.

The minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa made the remarks during the official handover of 28 leased vehicles to the Botswana Police on Friday at Maun

Sports Complex noting that the government remained committed to building public institutions that were responsive, efficient and citizen-centred.

The event marked the launch of the Botswana Police Service Vehicle Leasing Pilot Project in partnership with Car Rentals Botswana (Pty) Ltd, trading as Avis Rent A Car aimed to ensuring that police officers had reliable mobility to carry out their duties whenever and wherever they were needed.

He appreciated that the initiative reflected government determination to modernise public service delivery, strengthen operational efficiency and build a Botswana Police Service that was better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the nation

The initiative, he said was about keeping more police vehicles on the road, reducing operational disruptions and enabling officers to focus on what they do best, protecting the people of Botswana.

“This pilot project reflects our commitment to ensuring that every pula entrusted to government delivers maximum public value. Fiscal responsibility is not about spending less; it is about spending wisely. It is about ensuring that public resources produce better outcomes for the people we serve.

If a different approach can improve operational efficiency while maintaining accountability and value for money, then it is our duty to evaluate it objectively and responsibly,” he added.

Mr Mohwasa appreciated that the vehicles would indeed strengthen the ability of the police to serve the people more effectively ensuring that when a citizen reaches out for help, officers have the means to respond without unnecessary delay.

Every operational vehicle placed on the road, he said strengthens visible policing, improves emergency response and enhances the ability of the Police Service to fulfil its constitutional mandate.

Security, he said is the foundation upon which development is built citing that without safety, businesses cannot grow, children cannot learn with confidence, tourists cannot enjoy the country’s beauty and communities cannot thrive.

Mr Mohwasa further noted that Batswana expect public institutions that are responsive, accountable and capable of adapting to changing circumstances acknowledging that the expectations are not unreasonable, they are the very essence of good governance.

“As government, we must therefore continue to challenge ourselves to improve the way we deliver public services and to ensure that every decision we make translates into tangible benefits for our citizens,” the minister reiterated noting that the government is committed to evidence-based decision-making.

Over the next twelve months, Mr Mohwasa stated that they would closely monitor the initiative implementation, evaluate its operational effectiveness and assess whether it achieves the intended outcomes.

“The findings would guide future policy decisions because lasting reforms must be informed by facts, measurable results and the public interest. This project also demonstrates the important role that strategic partnerships can play in advancing national development.

Government cannot achieve its developmental aspirations in isolation.

The private sector possesses expertise, innovation and capacity that, when harnessed responsibly, can complement government’s efforts to improve public service delivery”.

He therefore commended Car Rentals Botswana, trading as Avis Rent a Car, for partnering with the Botswana Police Service in this important initiative adding that they look forward to a partnership built on professionalism, accountability, reliability and a shared commitment to serving the people of Botswana.

Minister Mohwasa indicated that the success of the partnership would be measured by whether police response improves, whether operational efficiency increases and whether Batswana experience a safer environment through a more responsive police service. ENDS