08 Jan 2025

Government is doing everything in its power to increase revenue streams and come up with strategic avenues of building a robust economy.

Addressing residents of Assistant Minister of Xhosa and Boseja wards in Mahalapye on Monday, the Mahalapye East MP Mr Augustine Nyatanga said there was need to build a robust economy that would enable government to fully deliver the promised mandate.

 He said such a move would accord the government an opportunity to make use of the right acumen to implement its mandate.

Mr Nyatanga, also the assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services,  said when the new administration assumed power government coffers were already depleted thus causing budgetary constraints to execute manifesto promises.

Nonetheless, he assured Batswana that UDC would fulfil the promises funds permitting.

Furthermore, he said for the economy to grow there was a need to reduce dependency on diamonds.

He said it was important that the 2025/26 the budget should encompass and reflect the aspirations of Batswana citing that P1 800 old age pension allowance that would start at 60 years instead of the initial 65 years still stands.

On other issues, he expressed profound gratitude to constituents for entrusting him with the responsibility of an area MP and pledged support in the development of the constituency.

He assured residents that he would advocate for developments in the area and bring services closer to the people to improve the quality of life.

Moreover, he advised public servants to stay apolitical when discharging their daily duties.

A resident at Xhosa Ward , also a pensioner, Ms Rosinah Zwilibanzi, wished the minister well in all his endeavours and expressed happiness that the minister updated residents on issues that mattered the most.

As for security and safety, she implored the minister to do everything within his jurisdiction to ensure Mahalapye East was a safe haven for its residents.

Ms Lesedi Phuthego, a resident of Boseja and also VDC chairperson decried poor drainage system in the area that exacerbates flooding and that landscape was not helping the situation.

Therefore, she pleaded with relevant authorities to rescue the situation by coming up with innovative ways. BOPA