01 Jul 2019

Maun West prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa has been described as a loyal and hardworking person who has contributed to the development of Ngamiland District during his tenure as council chairperson. 

During his launch in Maun on Saturday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said by voting for all candidates under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ticket, including Mr Mbulawa, electorates would be ensuring that the BDP continued to lead the country.

He appealed to electorates to rally behind the BDP in the coming general election.

He said the opposition had no direction compared to the BDP, saying they were ready to wrestle for all constituencies and win with a big margin.

 President Masisi said the BDP would win most constituencies,  noting that there was a big difference between the 2014 general elections and this year’s. 

He told Maun West residents that government was aware of their challenges ranging from livestock diseases, drought as well as water shortage that had crippled the district. 

He promised that together with Mr Mbulawa they would come up with solutions if voted into power.

With regard to water challenges, he said government had put aside millions for a water project in Maun. 

He added that they would drill and equip 12 boreholes to supply water around the village.

President Masisi revealed that the tender for the project had been awarded, but that the project had been delayed as other bidders were complaining about the tendering process, adding that the case was awaiting judgement at the court.

He urged the community to be patient and pray that the case was finalised to ensure commencement of the project. 

He noted that government wanted the community to have access to clean potable water.

He also informed residents that government was aware of issues surrounding the Maun Educational Park.

 He promised to send the minister responsible to engage them and finalise the issue, adding that the plan was for the community to benefit from the park.

President Masisi, who said he was aware that foreigners were benefiting more from the tourism industry, also instructed the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Kitso Mokaila to ensure that citizens benefitted from the five concessions which were currently not operating.

He urged residents to get ready as the concessions would be advertised, adding that they had re-visited the Community Based Natural Resources Programme to ensure it benefitted communities as expected. 

He added that other projects in the pipeline included construction of the Nata/Mohembo road.

He also apologised for the hunting ban in 2014 without consulting them, saying they traced their footsteps and revived consultations with all stakeholders as there were complaints of human/wildlife conflicts which resulted in loss of life.

President Masisi promised that things would be back to normal, and stressed that government would ensure controlled hunting procedures. 

Those who attended the launch learnt that the BDP would never sell the country, and President Masisi urged them to ignore opposition parties as they were not serious and had no direction.

He noted that the Declaration of Asset Bill had been published and would be debated during the July Parliament session, adding that he wished the bill could pass as he wanted all to declare their assets.

By doing so, he said they would reduce chances of corrupt practices and suspicions.

 “I am going to Parliament to debate the bill, adopt it and sign it,” he added.

For his part, Mr Mbulawa, who got 5 335 votes during the 2014 general election, thanked those who voted for him although the constituency was won by Mr Tawana Moremi under the Umbrella for Democratic Party ticket. 

By then Mr George Lubinda was using the Botswana Congress Party ticket. 

He appreciated that over 22 000 people had registered and thanked Mr Lubinda for joining the BDP and working hard in the constituency. 

He was optimistic that he would emerge victorious.

Mr Mbulawa said he stood with the community during difficult times such as the outbreak of lethobo tick which killed many livestock in the region and assisted farmers with dips.ENDS