08 Jan 2025

The UDC-led government is focused on improving health care system such that related services are easily accessible to all Batswana. 

This was revealed by the Member of Parliament for Francistown East, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima when addressing residents of Itekeng Ward in Francistown on Tuesday. 

Mr Ntsima stated that health care facilities would be improved to cater for the needs of patients and medications would be made available in all health care facilities. 

Mr Ntsima who is also the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, informed resident about the new Societies Act which had been amended to allow churches to register with 20 people against 200 as the law required in the past. He said this would allow for the freedom of worship to be respected. 

On other issues, he said his ministry was investigating allegations of abuse of office at the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency. He assured the public that no one within the system could interfere with the audit system as a team of professionals had been assigned to attend to the matter. 

Mr Ntsima further explained that the Chema Chema programme was under review with the aim to maximise its value. 

For her part, Itekeng Ward Development Committee chairperson, Ms Ruth Amis expressed worry about the streetlights which were not working and said they contributed to high criminal activities  as thieves tend to hide in the dark. 

Ms Amis also said drug abuse continued to rise despite all the efforts to fight the scourge. She advised that a rehabilitation centre should be built to fight drug abuse as most people opt for drugs as a way of overcoming obstacles such as unemployment. 

She called for more presence of the City Police to help fight crime and urged the Botswana Police Service to strengthen department for residents to enjoy the services. 

For his part, Mr Ntende Lekgoba, a resident of Itekeng, credited the police for effective  measures in fighting crime and keeping the streets safe especially during the festive season. 

Mr Wililana Mteba from Area W called for the review of  Chema Chema such that recipients should be given funds that would enable them to boost their enterprises. BOPA