08 Sep 2024

Prospective parliamentary candidates for Tonota constituency have promised substantial improvements in infrastructure and living conditions.

The Radio Botswana debate in Tonota on Thursday focused on constitution review, unemployment, and water distribution challenges.In his argument, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) aspiring parliamentary candidate for Tonota constituency, Mr Themba Joina said  if his party was voted into power, it would review the constitution to allow for the direct election of the president.

Mr Joina criticised the recent constitutional review, claiming it disregarded key proposals from the public. He highlighted that the majority of Batswana expressed a desire for direct presidential elections, but this proposal was overruled by the cabinet.

“It is disheartening that after 50 years of independence, we are still bound to an outdated system where the leader of the majority party in the national assembly automatically becomes president,” he stated.

Mr Joina appealed to voters, urging them to support the BCP in the upcoming general election, emphasising the party’s commitment to improving the standard of living for Batswana.

In contrast, prospective Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) parliamentary candidate, Mr Andy Boatile, addressed the need for improved internal roads and infrastructure in Tonota. He promised that if elected, he would prioritise enhancing stormwater drainage to combat annual flooding, upgrade internal roads for better travel, and revitalise the Tonota bus rank.

Additionally, Mr Boatile pledged to ensure that Semotswane and Mandunyane villages receive a junior secondary school and to tackle unemployment by engaging the private sector for job creation.

Meanwhile, Mr Losika Keatlholetswe, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) candidate, criticised the current BDP government, claiming it has failed to meet the needs of Batswana, particularly in job creation and economic growth.

He expressed concerns about the water situation in Tonota, pointing out that residents still rely on water from the Shashe River despite the nearby Shashe Dam. He also promised to advocate for a primary hospital and an abattoir in the constituency, should he be elected.

Independent candidate Mr Edward Odireleng echoed similar sentiments, vowing to improve the water situation and to create employment opportunities for the youth, particularly in light of the prevalent poverty in Tonota.

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) aspirant parliamentary candidate, Mr Gaefele Sedombo, argued that Batswana have suffered under BDP rule and called for change in the upcoming election.

He highlighted the challenges faced by the Tonota constituency, including water scarcity, poverty, and unemployment, asserting that these issues contributed to rising crime rates.
Mr Sedombo emphasised that UDC had viable programmes and policies to tackle these pressing challenges. ENDS