16 Oct 2024

The debate among candidates vying for the Gaborone Central Constituency highlighted several pressing issues, including the upgrade of Princess Marina Referral Hospital, the welfare of tertiary students, and the need for economic empowerment initiatives.

During the live Radio Botswana, debate recently, Mr Bontsi Monare of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) expressed commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of Gaborone Central residents through job creation.

He identified manufacturing and industrialisation as key economic drivers, emphasising the BDP’s determination to foster growth in the informal sector and support small businesses via initiatives like Chema Chema.

Mr Monare proposed establishing a dedicated workspace for 500 small businesses within the constituency, making them easily accessible to potential customers.

Furthermore, Mr Monare pledged to advocate for the upgrading of Princess Marina Referral Hospital and to implement measures aimed at retaining critical health personnel.

In contrast, Prof. Mpho Pheko from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) called for collaboration with councillors in the fight against poverty. She criticised the current government’s wasteful expenditure of 37 per cent of the budget due to corruption. Noting the insufficient accommodation for students at the University of Botswana, which could admit 19 000 but only houses 4 000.

 She raised concerns about overcrowding at Princess Marina and the deteriorating infrastructure of government schools. Prof. Pheko asserted that the BCP was prepared to address these educational challenges and aims to develop strategies for the 200 000 youth currently disengaged from education or the workforce. She said that a change in government was necessary to tackle these issues effectively.

Ms Mary Nkumba of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) emphasised resilience among University of Botswana students and highlighted her prison visits to support inmate rehabilitation.

She lamented the general state of disrepair in Gaborone Central, including poor infrastructure and inadequate social amenities in areas like Partial and Middle Star, calling for urgent improvements.

Independent candidate Mr Jafta Radibe stressed his commitment to representing all citizens and condemned corruption while advocating for a comprehensive constitutional review that reflected national interests and cultural values. He voiced concerns about rising youth unemployment and oppressive legislation affecting religious organisations.

Also addressing unemployment, Mr Kemmonye Sekati of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) pointed out socioeconomic disparities in localities such as Extension 16 and 20, attributing the challenges to government policies, including the banning of vegetable imports, which he argued adversely affects small businesses.

Dr  Phenyo Butale from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) remarked on the nationwide implications of Gaborone Central’s challenges, particularly financial constraints impacting government contracts.

Dr Butale advocated for an economy capable of achieving a 10 per cent growth rate and called attention to the high rates of youth unemployment as well as the urgent need for a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.

Dr Butale said according to the Auditor General’s report, more than P160 million was spent on useless expenditure. He said youth unemployment was projected at 38.2 per cent, while 42.3 per cent of the youth were misplaced. ENDS