03 Sep 2019

Two prospective parliamentary candidates for Chobe have assured the electorate of their undivided attention in advocating for the development of the constituency.

Speaking during the Radio Botswana debate on Monday, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Machana Shamukuni, said he had already proven that he was capable of developing livelihoods.

Mr Shamukuni reminded the voters that he worked with them to bring developments such as the water network expansion in Mabele.

He said it was during his tenure as a member of parliament that Satau and Parakarungu internal roads were done and he advocated for the re-gravelling and installation of culverts at the Kachikau-Parakarungu road.

He said when he took over as MP, there was critical shortage of classrooms across all schools in the constituency and through his leadership, the backlog was addressed and the dire shortage of mattresses for boarders at Liswaani and Chobe junior secondary schools had been addressed.

He said congestion at Kazungula Primary School that led to some pupils being taught in tents would soon be a thing of the past since a new primary school was under construction. 

On the health sector, Mr Shamukuni said in 2014, when he was elected there were only five doctors instead of 11 in the whole district, but through his advocacy there are already 12 doctors and one more is expected. 

He said currently all clinics had a minimum of three nurses and it was through his leadership that Kachikau clinic offered 24hr service.

For his part, the Uumbrella for Democratic Change prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga said once elected, he would advocate for development of the Kasane market since the current arrangement exposed both the customers and the traders to harsh weather conditions.

Mr Mapulanga said he would argue for a senior secondary school in the district because Nata and Masunga, where pupils from Kasane were admitted, are far and not in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said while he concurred that hunting was another way of managing human/wildlife conflict, should he be voted, he would call for the fencing of the parks to ensure restriction of wild animals’ movement.

He promised the voters that he would advocate for the protection of farmers’ rights, especially that Chobe is a food basket of the nation. Ends