23 Sep 2014

President Lt Gen. Ian Khama Seretse Khama has promised residents of Shakawe the construction of a bridge next year and a hospital in the coming months. 

Speaking at a political rally in Shakawe on Saturday, September 20 President Khama said that the current ferry system is inconvenient in that it cannot be operated at night. 

“We will do our best to ensure that we source funds to have the bridge constructed at Mohembo by next year,” he said. 

The construction of the hospital, he said would start this year as preparations were already in the final stage to get work started. 

He also announced that the Maun-Shakawe road will be rehabilitated as it currently has a lot of potholes. 

President Khama also noted that government was also looking into constructing a tarred road for villages on the other side of the Okavango River but priority was given to the afore mentioned projects, then afterwards the construction of the ‘boseja’ road will be considered. 

He added that in the next three years no one should be living in abject poverty in the area as the country had set itself a target to eliminate poverty by the year 2016. 

President Khama noted that he visits Shakawe every month, yet the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Bagalatia Arone never invites him to check on the welfare of residents. 

“Do not believe what Arone says about meeting and tabling any issues with me, that is not true,” he said. On the recent purchase of a bus by the BCP, President Khama said that he has nicknamed the bus “Hello-ByeBye” because it cannot stay long in any place since it is the only vehicle the party owns. 

“I have termed it that because they will be saying hello and goodbye at the same time since they have to go elsewhere almost immediately, and from what I hear it will only be seen in towns,” he said.

Still on the opposition, President Khama noted that indeed the BCP is ready to lead, but only ready to lead the opposition and not the nation.

 “Their battle is not with us, it is with the UDC to find out who will emerge the leader of opposition,” he added. 

Khama noted that the former candidate for the area, Mr Vista Moruti who defected to the opposition lacked approach and people skills. “In fact I was happy when he left because he was the one fuelling factions in the BDP,” he said adding that he understood why people did not vote for him after all.

Still at the rally, fifty two new members were welcomed to BDP from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). 

President Khama noted that BDP had received a substantial number of new members from the BCP in various districts. 

“I have not received any reports of any of our members leaving for opposition parties and that speaks volumes about the state of affairs in opposition parties,” he said.

Prospective parliamentary candidate for the area, Mr Mbaha Kambimba in his remarks said that the constituency needed an MP who could ensure residents benefit from the recent listing of the Okavango Delta and he is that person. 

He thanked women in the party for their contribution in making the rally a success. ENDS