10 Sep 2019

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has promised Orapa residents that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) would track down money missing from government coffers.

Speaking at the launch of BDP Orapa prospective council candidate, Mr Bethel Mohinamone, Mr Tsogwane stated that billions missing from government coffers would be recovered through the assistance of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) and Financial Intelligence Agency among others.

He said Botswana had good working relations with other countries, therefore those who threaten to escape to other countries to avoid accounting for their criminal acts would be dealt with.

He cautioned the electorate against being misled by opposition parties’ empty promises.  Mr Tsogwane said it was important to make informed promises, considering budget and growth rate of the economy. He indicated that opposition parties would not be able to finance such initiatives as destitute programme, ISPAAD and LIMID among others, if they increase salaries as they promised.

Mr Tsogwane indicated that the BDP was cognizant of the needs of Batswana, citing lack of water, upgrading of the health facilities and maintenance of roads among others.

He stated that plans were afoot to electrify Kedia and Xere villages, adding that the Boteti southern water cluster project, which would connect water from Mokobaxane to Rakops was on the pipeline.

Citizen economic empowerment policy he said would no longer be a policy but an act, he said.

Mr Tsogwane said the BDP intended to continue with good working relations with unions and to work with the media in a fair and transparent manner.

He warned that the 2019 general elections were full of trials.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse commended Mr Mohinamone for choosing to represent the people of Orapa through the BDP ticket, as it was a reliable party with a good track record.

He warned the Orapa electorate against being disturbed by the new breakaway party, informing them that unseating President Masisi would not benefit Batswana in any way. Mr Autlwetse said internal conflicts or disagreements that could take place in the party should be resolved amicably without any attempts to destroy it, adding that protocol should be followed if there were any disagreements.

He advised Mr Mohinamone to establish a close working relationship with  Orapa residents regardless of their class, adding that as the first diamond mining town, Orapa had contributed immensely to developments in Letlhakane and Botswana at large.

Meanwhile, Mr Ignatius Moswaane implored Orapa electorate to demonstrate that they were moving Botswana forward by voting for the BDP in large numbers. Mr Moswaane urged them to be wary of opposition parties’ promises,  as the economy was only growing gradually.

He also called on the electorate to trust in President Masisi’s leadership, which had dedicated itself to fighting crime and uprooting corruption.

Mr Mohinamone commended Orapa councillor Koketso Seloi, who has stood with him to canvass for votes for the party.

BDP he said would bring programmes aimed at uplifting the lives of the youth, women and pensioners.

Mr Mohinamone said the electorate should be proud to be members of BDP, saying all health services were accessible, sound education system as well as sponsorship of many young Batswana to international institutions. ENDS