13 Mar 2014

The Leader of Opposition (LOO) and MP for Gaborone Central, Mr Dumelang Saleshando has called on the President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to address Parliament on the current power crisis.

Making a statement in Parliament on Wednesday, March 12, Mr Saleshando said the President must also open up debate on a possible short to medium term plan that could allow for resources to be diverted from some of the approved projects to respond to the crisis.

He said resources should also be availed to respond to the ongoing crisis and facilitate for companies with access to big diesel generators to participate in minimising power disruptions for the business community as once promised in 2010.

Furthermore, Mr Saleshando said the President should take steps to fast track the implementation of the solar thermal stations to take advantage of the abundant solar energy.

He noted that additional funds should be availed for the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) Lesedi Project and also subsidise households that wished to convert to solar energy, so as to reduce pressure on the national grid.

The Leader of Opposition said an immediate audit into the Morupule B project should be instituted to establish the reasons behind the inordinate delays for the completion of the project.

Mr Saleshando said the audit would also ascertain whether or not advice had been given, warning against the contracting of the company that was ultimately engaged for the project.

He said too many false promises had been made and the President needed to step forward and provide leadership. The Gaborone Central legislator said the economy was collapsing and there was need for urgent action. Ends