27 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appealed to Batswana to vote the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the October 30 general elections, as it is the only party that is trustworthy unlike opposition parties.

Opposition parties, he said always made empty promises to Batswana and therefore urged Batswana to shun them on the election day.

Addressing a star rally in Maun on Friday, he said BDP continued to deliver on its promises as stated in its manifesto.

Dr Masisi cited the unveiling of the first locally assembled electric vehicles and other developments as well as some interventions aimed to uplift the livelihood of Batswana.

The first batch of the electric vehicles, he said was a great achievement and showed commitment to the country’s eMobility project more so that some opposition parties could not believe it was possible.

The vehicles, President Masisi said were environmentally friendly as it had no exhaust, no radiator noting that they would be marketed in the entire Southern Africa.

“We have delivered on our promises we made in our 2019 manifesto and we continue to do so as we approach the general elections.

The project, he said would promote the manufacturing industry and create employment opportunities stating that through the project, they were going to manufacture 50 vehicles and 20 buses.

He said they would manufacture three vehicles and one bus in a day noting that the vehicles were charged by a machine, which took 20 minutes to fully charge and could travel 500km.

President Dr Masisi also pointed out that they had also manufactured an electric boat in Maun; the project, which was funded by government.

Furthermore, he highlighted projects done in the North West region such as the construction of water projects, sewage and improvement of Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and availing of funding through various programmes to boost businesses and eventually creating jobs.

President Masisi also stated that government would upgrade BMC plant in Lobatse and build a state-of-the-art value addition plant.

He further said government had entered into an agreement with China to buy meat from non-European Union zones saying that would ensure the farming community from Ngamiland reap better returns from their animals.

He also said government strived to promote citizen participation in the tourism sector saying they encouraged locals to venture into agro-tourism by utilising their farms for leisure purposes or other activities that could attract visitors.

Some, he said ventured into fish farming while some into catering.  

The ruling party, he said had the interest of Batswana at heart, hence there was an engagement and agreement with De Beers on sales contract of diamonds and mining licenses.

The agreement, he said reflected the aspirations of Batswana and would propel both parties forward.

Earlier, BDP member, Mr Lotty Manyepedza said Batswana should rally behind President Masisi in the general elections saying he was the rightful presidential candidate to take the country to greater heights.

“Let us all give him another chance come October 30.

He had set a good record and fought to save lives during difficult times of COVID-19,” Mr Manyepedza said, appealing to the public to vote all BDP candidates in large numbers. Ends