22 Sep 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama says government empowerment initiatives have changed the lives of many Batswana.

President Khama told a star rally in Ramotswa on September 18 that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government had introduced a number of programmes such as the poverty eradication programme, which changed lives of many for the better.

Lt Gen Khama said many were benefitting under the backyard garden, bakery, catering, and textile and tents programs.  He said about 12 000 have been assisted under the program adding that government would add another 10 000 to the program before the end of the year.

He said about 80 000 Batswana had shown interest in the programme hence more would be added next year. Furthermore, he said government’s aim was to eradicate absolute poverty by the year 2016 and noted that this was possible with the support of other development programs.

The President said the LIMID program had, this year alone, assisted about 18 000 Botswana while ISPAAD had assisted 125 0000 people.  He said CEDA has assisted the establishment of over 5000 projects worth over P8.5 billion and they have employed about 49 000 people.

Other programs which he said have contributed to the empowerment of locals include economic diversification drive, in which government buys local goods and services.

Under the program, government has bought goods and services worth about P12 billion since 2010.

In addition, he said the country has realised investments worth about P5 billion through foreign direct investment and over 22 000 people have been employed.

Further, President Khama implored democrats not to believe that the country’s tourism sector is in the hands of foreigners.

He said 61 per cent of tourism facilities are owned by locals, 23 per cent are joint ventures while only 16 per cent are in the hands of foreigners. 

Hence he appealed to people to vote BDP in large numbers, adding that there are still mines to be opened as well as other programs in the pipeline.

He further said government will finance Botswana Housing Corporation to build affordable houses as well as increase SHHA ceiling to include more Batswana.

The party parliamentary candidate for Ramotswa, Mr Odirile Motlhale asked democrats not to be swayed by the opposition talks that they will create instant permanent jobs.

He said job creation is not easy as often relayed by the opposition, adding that if it was so, the BDP could have long created many jobs. 

Further, he cautioned that voting for the opposition would be detrimental as programs such as Ipelegeng would be stopped.

The star rally was another intuitive by the ruling party to canvas for electorates as parties prepare for the October 24 general elections. ENDS