02 Oct 2014

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) leader, Mr Duma Boko says it is appalling that while the country is awash with many economic resources, people continue to languish in squalor living conditions.

Speaking at the launch of UDC parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Central constituency, Mr Phenyo Butale on September 27, Mr Boko said it was disheartening that Botswana with a relatively small population was experiencing teething problems centering on both socio and economic needs.

Mr Boko, who called upon UDC members and Batswana in general to ensure that they vote for Mr Butale and his party in large numbers in the next general elections, said it was a matter of urgency to address the problem of high maternal deaths.

According to Mr Boko, who is also parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Bonnington North constituency, the high number of maternal deaths was a cause for concern and should be given due attention as the country could not afford to lose women through unwarranted deaths which could be easily avoided.

In the same breath, he told attendants that many under age children were facing acute shortage of food, a trend which could lead to untold miseries due to severe malnutrition and other health consequences.

Among other issues which he said needed urgent attention, was the problem of poverty, which he said was one of the many socio-economic ailments which had indiscriminately affected a large portion of the population.

He however reasoned that these could only be addressed effectively if his party could be voted into power. Mr Boko, who is also leader of Botswana National Front (BNF) said through visionary and good leadership of UDC, Botswana was destined for greater heights should this coalition be voted into power.

Another speaker, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, who is parliamentary candidate for Francistown South constituency, said it would be a wise move to vote for Mr Butale because he was a well-informed man who had also been championing for freedom of information.

He said the Gaborone Central constituents were fortunate to have a man of Mr Butale’s caliber as he had proved to be capable and dedicated towards everything he undertook, especially issues of national interests which touches on the lives of people.

Just like Mr Mmolotsi, parliamentary candidate for Gaborone West South, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe impressed upon Gaborone Central residents to align themselves with UDC as the party had vision and the welfare of Batswana at heart.

Other speakers included James Mopati, Murray Dipate, Johnson Motshwarakgole and Phenyo Segokgo who called upon people to embrace UDC as it will address issues such as unemployment more so that it has alternative programmes which will better develop the country.

For his part, Mr Butale told the attendants that he had the responsibility to represent his electorate well more so that he was called and persuaded to step in after the demise of Mr Gomolemo Motswaledi. He said if voted he will do all within his power to represent them well. Ends