04 Sep 2024

Unemployment rate is rapidly increasing with at least 46 032 degree holders jobless.

This was revealed by Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, when addressing residents of Somerset Extension in Francistown on Monday. 

Mr Mmolotsi indicated that the unemployment rate stands at 26% and that 46% of the youth are unemployed, a percentage which comprises of 46 032 degree graduates who are without a job. He stated that the economy relies mostly on the sale of diamonds, which is currently not performing well therefore added to the slow economic growth. 

He pointed out that in the past five years, the constituency managed to achieve a lot including the prepaid water meters initiative that is to replace the existing postpaid meters, an idea that was taken from his constituency. 

Mr Mmolotsi further noted that all internal roads in Francistown South have been paved. 

He said tower lights were installed throughout the constituency to reduce the rate of crime that happens at night. Mr Mmolotsi said in the past five years various workshops were conducted in the constituency to bring all services and government programmes such as Chema Chema to the people. 

“The introduction of a burial scheme in the constituency so as to make sure that everyone has a decent funeral was an excellent achievement,” Mr Mmolotsi noted. 

Giving the Member of Parliament an update on the issues of concern in the ward, Ward Development Committee Chairperson, Mr Simisani Ramaotwana, said the water drainage project, which was delayed is 95% complete, stating that other projects that were delayed are almost ready for handover. 

He complained of projects that are not constructed to satisfactory standards, stating that it delays developments in the ward as more money is spent re-tendering such projects. Mr Ramaotwana said Independence Day celebrations preparations are ongoing and all seems to be under control. Ends