12 Dec 2024

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is committed to engaging legislators from across the political spectrum to contribute to nation building. 

This was said by Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, MP for Francistown South and Minister of Environment and Tourism, during a parliamentary debate on the State-of-the-Nation Address on Wednesday.

Mr Mmolotsi emphasised that the ruling party aimed to serve the nation with humility rather than flaunting its political power. 

“For the UDC to achieve this, we need cooperation with all other parties as well as the electorate,” he stated, highlighting the importance of unity in governance.

The minister assured that the government would strive to act swiftly on issues of national interest, regardless of their popularity, to ensure fairness prevailed. 

Drawing on lessons from the previous administration, he noted that delays in decision-making had adversely affected service delivery.

Addressing the working conditions in the private sector, Mr Mmolotsi raised concerns regarding the late payment of employees, particularly unskilled labourers such as security guards and cleaners. 

“This always happens even when such companies have been paid on time,” he noted, underscoring the need for companies to prioritise timely compensation.

Additionally, he called for the government to offer permanent employment to Batswana where possible, particularly for positions such as temporary teachers. 

The minister also underscored the necessity for consistent availability of medicines in health facilities nationwide.

In matters of agriculture, Mr Mmolotsi urged government to incorporate a borehole drilling component into agricultural schemes to enhance their success rates.

Francistown West legislator Mr Ignatius Moswaane, who also serves as the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, echoed Mr Mmolotsi’s sentiments. He encouraged civil servants to collaborate with the UDC government to realise its manifesto pledges. 

He reassured them that, contrary to rumors, there was no immediate threat to their job security.

Mr Moswaane highlighted the need for a revitalisation programme for Francistown, describing it as an industrial hub with unrealised potential. 

“We have a Central Business District established in 2015 that is yet to be completed,” he pointed out, calling for urgent attention to finish the ambitious project.

He also addressed critical infrastructure issues, such as malfunctioning stormwater drainage and sewage systems at Gerald Estates. Mr Moswaane advocated for churches to be granted temporary leases on open spaces within the city to develop structures. 

Additionally, he raised concerns over the haulage industry’s restrictions, which he said disproportionately favoured foreign truckers. 

“Batswana are not allowed to haul goods into neighboring countries like Zimbabwe; they can only take them to the border gate, while foreign truckers are permitted to operate within Botswana,” he remarked, labeling this situation an anomaly that requires correction. Ends