Africa-Press – Botswana. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Molepolole South, Mr Shima Monageng and his partners have been commended for bringing together stakeholders from across Kweneng District to chart a path toward sustainable prosperity for the community and the nation as a whole.
The summit is a testament to what can be achieved when government and private sector converge for the greater good of the people, the acting President and also Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa said officially opening the Kweneng Economic Summit yesterday.
“Today, we gather not just to reflect on Kweneng’s progress but to ignite a vision that position this district as a catalyst for our nation’s economic renaissance,” he said.
Mr Mohwasa said the event themed: Advancing Economic Development for a sustainable future, commensurated with the government promises of building a deep economy that offered each citizen opportunities of a happy and fulfilled life through building mega companies, initiating new funding mechanisms among others to generate job opportunities and grow the Gross Domestic Product per annum.
He said as the Minister for State President, his role was to ensure that the national priorities aligned with the aspirations of every district, including Kweneng, with its vibrant communities and strategic location central to the vision of a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Botswana.
“Kweneng potential is immense but unlocking it requires bold action. The Kweneng District Development Plan 9 informed by consultations held on March 26 to 27, identifies key challenges, among them poor road networks, high unemployment, inadequate utilities and environmental degradation and these issues are not only local but national and demand coordinated action.” The acting president said the government wass committed to supporting the District’s economic development ambitions and will work with the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, private sector and communities to address challenges like poor workmanship, land acquisition delays, water supply issues and funding constraints.
Mr Mohwasa called on the private sector to invest in Kweneng infrastructure and mentor its youth and further urged communities to engage in National Development Plan 12 consultations to ensure their voices shape the national agenda.
He said the summit should be a turning point where all committed to a future of shared prosperity, innovation and sustainability.
Giving remarks on the purpose and objectives of the summit, Mr Monageng said the theme set the tone for meaningful dialogue among stakeholders, government and community leaders, which aligned with the growing demand for transparency, strategic planning and actionable solutions.
He said the summit would result in a five-year action plan, which would be the blueprint for Kweneng and reinforce shared responsibilities in shaping the district’s future.
Mr Monageng said their primary objective was to inform, encourage and inspire action by providing a comprehensive overview of the district’s current economic condition and future opportunities.
He added that their goals were to highlight key economic indicators and facilitate dialogue on changes like workforce readiness, housing and investment climate.
“Our intention is to create a roadmap for collaboration and investment. The summit will develop a realistic five year action plan to guide sustainable development in Kweneng,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Basiamang Garebakwena said Kweneng, unlike other regions, did not have minerals but took pride tin its rich cultural heritage.
He said numerous heritages sites sprawled around Kweneng villages among them, Ntsweng heritage site commonly known as Kwa-ga-MmaKgosi, where Bakwena stayed before they moved to their current residence.
Kgosi Garebakwena said they also have Dithejwane, Kolobeng, Logaga la ga Kobokwe and Khutse among others, which could contribute immensely to the economic status of Bakwena and needed to be taken care of for use by the coming generations.
He thanked the government for its contribution in the development of Ntsweng heritage site through the Department of National Museum and Monuments with P60 million used for the project.
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