21 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has reassured constituents in Letlhakeng that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) remains committed to local representation, following the recent passing of former Member of Parliament, Mr Liakat Kablay.

While reflecting on the legacy of the late MP, who also doubled as a BDP chief whip in Parliament, as a dedicated leader who championed the rights of people, especially those with disabilities and the development of his constituency, Dr Masisi said Mr Otsenye Tsietso, who entered the MP race at the eleventh hour to replace Mr Kablay, was equally capable,

The President was on Friday launching Mr Tsietso along with BDP council candidates, whom he said were well suited to represent the people.

Dr Masisi described Mr Tsietso as capable enough to advocate for developments in the Letlhakeng area, citing his trustworthiness and selflessness.

He urged all candidate to uphold the Constitution of Botswana and that of the BDP and shun corruption and malpractice.

He also appealed to Letlhakeng electorate to favour BDP candidates in the upcoming general elections, saying they were better equipped to implement programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people.

President Masisi emphasised that BDP manifesto offered a vision of the future of the country.

He pointed out that the developments achieved under the BDP-led government were a living proof that BDP was capable of taking the country to greater heights, citing improved infrastructure, electrification and internet connectivity across the country. The President assured the Letlhakeng constituents that the BDP government would deliver the promised; Letlhakeng hospital and Letlhakeng-Kaudwane road.

He revealed that P800 million had been reserved for the hospital, P60 million for land board offices while P1.1 billion is reserved for Letlhakeng-Kaudwane road.

Through economic empowerment such as reservation policy, Citizenship Economic

Empowerment and Inclusion Act, he said the BDP government wanted to ensure that the locals participated meaningfully in the economy than just being spectators.

President Masisi said import restriction on vegetables was one of the initiatives geared towards empowering local farmers and reduce the import bill.

He said BDP had programmes designed to generate employment and support for vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

Of the P362 million that he said had been spent on Chema Chema Fund country wide, he said P1.8 million had funded 150 beneficiaries in the Letlhakeng District.

He said by voting BDP, they would be safeguarding the recently introduced programmes such as Temo Letlotlo, Thuo Letlotlo and Majaaikgorosa, the programmes he said could positively change the lives of Botswana.

For his part, BDP veteran, Mr Kentse Rammidi said the BDP-led government continued to fulfil its promises despite having encountered challenges such as COVID-19, while Mr Tsietso pledged to represent BDP and Letlhakeng well if elected at the end of this month, promising to work harmoniously with the councillors.

Other MP candidates for Letlhakeng constituency are Ms Gaone Kgapoetsile of Botswana Patriotic Front, Brigadier Domcasa Mokgwathi of Umbrella for Democratic Change,

Mr Meshack Tshenyego of Botswana Congress Party and independent candidate, Ms Letlhogonolo Ntlhaga. Ends