23 Oct 2024

Candidates vying for the parliamentary seat in Maun East have pledged to implement lasting solutions to the challenges faced by voters, as they prepare for the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 30.

The candidates highligted this, during a recent live debate on Radio Botswana hosted at Maun Senior Secondary School.

 They spoke of  pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, water shortages, human-wildlife conflict, drought, unemployment, education, and health services and appealed to the electorate to support their parties in order to bring about meaningful change.

The Maun East parliamentary race features four candidates: Mr   Oateng Setlhodi from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Mr Molatedi Molato representing the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), and Mr Baraedi Lekabe of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

Mr Setlhodi emphasised his readiness to tackle these challenges, stating, “As voters, you need a leader who can translate knowledge into practice. I am here to drive the good policies and programmes availed by the government to uplift your livelihoods.”

He addressed the severe drought affecting the Ngamiland region, which had strained water resources and heightened human-wildlife conflicts.

He assured constituents that government investments in projects like the Maun Phase II Water Supply and Sanitation initiative would alleviate acute water shortages.

In contrast, Mr Kekgonegile urged voters to re-elect him, arguing that he has already laid the groundwork for development.

He criticised the government for failing to deliver on promises for road infrastructure improvements and called for a leader who is both intelligent and committed to change. “BCP is ready to take the country forward,” he stated, adding that improvements in primary healthcare and human-wildlife conflict mitigation are essential.

Mr Molato of the BPF presented his party’s strategies for addressing the challenges in Maun East.

He suggested drilling boreholes as a solution to water scarcity and called for an increase in compensation for farmers affected by wildlife incidents.

Additionally, he highlighted the need for better educational facilities and plans to enhance local attractions like Matlapana Beach.

Representing UDC, Mr Lekabe asserted that his party was uniquely positioned to represent the aspirations of Batswana.

He promised substantial improvements in wages, job creation, and free sanitary products for schools. “UDC is committed to creating 100 000 jobs,” he declared, noting the urgent need for improved health and education systems.

He lamented the lack of resources in schools and health facilities but remained optimistic about UDC’s capability to improve conditions for all Batswana.ENDS