06 Jan 2025

Member of Parliament for Francistown West Mr Ignatius Moswaane has  assured Moselewapula Ward residents in Gerald Estate that government will fulfil the P1 800 pension promise despite the current economic challenges. 

Addressing a kgotla meeting yesterday, Mr Moswaane who is also the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, acknowledged the financial difficulties facing the country, citing a reduced foreign reserve of P2.8 billion which also resulted in the near-miss of civil servants’ February salaries.

He attributed the delay in the pension increase which was promised to be in November to financial constraints.

However, he assured residents that President Advocate Duma Boko’s leadership had averted a salary crisis and was working to restore the country’s economic health. This, he explained, would be achieved through a renewed focus on diamond sales, attracting international investors to purchase Botswana’s conflict-free diamonds.

Mr Moswaane also detailed plans to revamp the Ipelegeng programme, acknowledging its reduced capacity to absorb senior citizens due to the increased pension allowance.

He urged parents to actively participate in their children’s education and  criticised the tendency to rely on teachers and government.

The new government, he stressed, valued education as a means of producing skilled workers for both domestic and international markets, and aimed to address underutilisation of technical colleges and brigades.

Mr Moswaane encouraged residents to prioritise their health and to take advantage of the recent rains to  till the soil for produce to feed the nation.

He urged residents to pay their outstanding service levy and water bills, dating back to 2019, to avoid disconnection.

He explained that the previous free water connection during the COVID-19 pandemic was a special dispensation.

On other issues, Mr Moswaane emphasised the role of the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in prioritising Batswana and upholding traditional institutions.

He underscored the importance of respecting traditional leaders, highlighting their contributions to the country’s development. Ends