13 Oct 2024

The six parliamentary candidates vying for Gaborone South have decried lack of tangible developments in the constituency.

The six candidates are; Mr Alfred Moatlhaping of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Mr Oral Mosedame of Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Mr Nelson Ramaotwana of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) as well as independent candidates: Ms Kesego Kebelaele-Okie, Mr Mofenyi Bakwena and Mr Boitshoko Monare.

Speaking during a Radio Botswana debate in Gaborone on Wednesday, Mr Mosedame said Gaborone South constituency was faced with challenges such as poor infrastructure, poor storm water drainage systems, poverty and poor academic performance in schools.

He, therefore, appealed to constituents to give BCP a chance to bring developments in their area and help uplift their livelihoods.

To motivate teachers and improve performance in schools, he said, BCP would introduce a 26-day pay period for teachers.

For his part, Mr Ramaotwana promised that once voted into power, UDC would ensure that a multi-purpose recreational facility, with a learning centre, library, swimming pool and community hall, was built in the constituency.

The party, Mr Ramaotwana said, would also introduce a class ratio of 1:25 in an effort to improve pupils’ grades and teachers’ motivation in schools.

Furthermore, he said UDC would also ensure provision of sport facilities in schools, full employment for everyone and also fight corruption and wastage of government funds.

Mr Moatlhaping reaffirmed BDP’s commitment to achieving prosperity for all and ensuring that no one was left behind.

The BDP manifesto, he said, clearly stated all achievable plans that the party intended to embark on for the country’s sustainable economic development.

Through its visionary leadership, he said BDP had ensured all Batswana had equal access to education and health, something that promoted inclusivity.

Mr Moatlhaping appealed to constituents to vote for him, saying he would advocate both SHAA and Youth Development Fund to be increased from P60 000 to P120 000, ensure refurbishment of both Selemela and Bontleng Community Halls and completion of the construction of Old Naledi swimming pool.

Ms Kebelaele-Okie appealed to constituents to vote for her, promising to address unemployment, poverty and inequality to ensure a sustainable future for all, especially the youth.

She appealed to constituents to cast their votes for her, saying she was a reliable and capable candidate who had never failed to deliver on commitments she was previously tasked with.

To date, Ms Kebelaele-Okie said she had secured sponsorship for a social football club in the area, adding she intended to continue working closely with both the young and the old to share ideas and capacitate them on how they could better advance their lives.

For his part, Mr Monare said he would advocate for support and empowerment of people operating brick moulding and pallet carpentry businesses at Old Naledi as well as for the establishment of community trusts to generate funds for community development projects.

He promised to advocate for more accommodation for teachers and nurses in the constituency, as well as for posting of doctors and more resources to clinics in the area.

Another independent candidate, Mr Bakwena promised to address challenges facing residents of Gaborone South, such as unemployment, poor performance in schools and shortage of resources in the health facilities around the area. ENDS