22 Jul 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has promised that his government will bring more socio-economic developments for the community of Lobatse if Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) retained state power.

President Masisi was speaking at the launch of BDP prospective parliamentary candidate for Lobatse constituency, Dr Thapelo Matsheka at Coop Freedom Square on Sunday.

He said the Milk Afric dairy project was a clear indication of the commitment of government to develop Lobatse. The multi-million project, which is close to operating, is envisaged to create employment opportunities in the town.

Dr Masisi further assured residents of government’s commitment to deliver the long-awaited Lobatse Leather Park which is also envisaged to create thousands of jobs once operational.

“Lobatse Leather Park is there in the 11th National Development Plan (NDP 11), we will complete the project. It won’t go anywhere,” he said.

He said government had already developed a plan to address water shortage in the town by constructing an extra pipeline connecting Lobatse to the North South Water Carrier.

He further said government was developing a turn-around strategy for Botswana Meat Commission (BMC). He said a profitable BMC would result in more employment opportunities to benefit the community.

President Masisi also promised that government would tap into the rich history of Lobatse to develop cultural tourism in the town.

He said the rich history included Lobatse having been the first administrative capital of Bechuanaland Protectorate, and being the site of the first meeting of the African Advisory Council and Legislative Council when Bechuanaland was preparing for independence.

“There is no town in Botswana like Lobatse in terms of history. Mr Mandela (former South African president) came to exile here. Mr Samora Machel and Mr Joaquim Chissano (former Mozambique presidents) also came to exile here in Lobatse. Lobatse is a famous place,” he said.

In a brief address to the masses who attended the launch, Dr Matsheka pleaded with the constituents to vote for him in big numbers in October. He promised to work hard to address all the issues facing Lobatse. He said as somebody who was born and bred in Lobatse, he was conversant with all the challenges facing the town. ENDS