Africa-Press – Botswana. Government has set strategies to address national economic challenges posed by the decline in revenue from diamond sales, says Acting President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe.
Addressing a kgotla meeting in Palapye on Friday, Mr Gaolathe said pillars for mitigation and economic transformation included closing financial leaks within government ministries and the parastatals, adding that such would enhance transparency, accountability and the prudent use of public funds.
He also mentioned an investment in modern infrastructure development and overhauling the education system as the other key pillars. Mr Gaolathe said as the nation navigated through economic challenges, government’s proactive mitigation pillars would lessen difficulties and establish paths of inclusive economic growth.
He said the pillars were essential for laying a foundation for long-term sustainable economic growth, national prosperity, and a more equitable distribution of resources across the country.
Mr Gaolathe reiterated government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, thus encouraging Batswana to actively participate in building a prosperous economy to benefit all.
“While we acknowledge the impact of declining diamond revenue, I reaffirm the government’s comprehensive commitment plan to revitalise the economy. By implementing these pillars, we aim to diversify the economy beyond the diamond industry, and this will require collaborative efforts from both the government and the private sector,” he said.
Mr Gaolathe further highlighted the country’s strategic geographical advantage as a central connector for Southern African countries. He noted this presented a significant opportunity to transform Botswana into a logistics hub for Southern African countries and emphasising the need for innovative infrastructure development.
“Modern infrastructure development will be the backbone of a successful logistics hub, not only to meet transportation demands but also to stimulate economic growth. Our country is not just land-locked but land-linked, which presents an opportunity to diversify the economy significantly,” he stated.
He also said that government was on a mission to conduct a comprehensive review of how ministries delivered services to the public, which he said, aimed to improve service quality and meeting public expectations.
Kgosi Martha Lebang of Palapye, requested a new hospital, and said the current facility was dilapidated and inadequate to serve the growing population of Palapye and surrounding villages.
She also expressed appreciation for Bonno National Housing Programme, stating that it provided affordable housing solutions for Batswana.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
