Africa-Press – Botswana. As licensing policies for production of hemp in Botswana progresses, medicinal and scientific benefits are expected to be ripped from its production, with a high anticipation of job creation.
This was said by the Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi when addressing residents of Boikhutso ward in Francistown recently. Mr Mmolotsi, who is also the Minister of Environment and Tourism, said the production of hemp would heighten government’s efforts to create jobs and improve commercial opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry and construction among others. He said the adoption of the hemp production policy was a key step towards achieving economic growth and development.
On other issues, Mr Mmolotsi said the government was expected to finish existing projects and start National Development Plan 12 in August this year. He added this was to allow for existing projects that were started by the previous government to complete before starting new ones.
Mr Mmolotsi said climate change proved that plans of residential plots needed to be reviewed as the previous floods left many homesteads damaged. Furthermore, he said Botswana’s economy relied solely on diamonds which had not been performing well therefore affecting the economy.
In his welcome remarks, Phase IV Court President Mr Gunny Moses noted the importance of consultative meetings in mapping a way forward to make sure developments were achieved. He complained of bad behaviour in schools as drug and substance abuse seemed to be increasing.
Mr Moses said parents should take part in the academic well-being of their children as education was a collaborative responsibility. He also encouraged parents to take part in raising a responsible generation of children into law-abiding citizens.
When giving the ward overview, the Chairperson of Boikhutso Ward Development Committee, Ms Beauty Sani complained of substance abuse which led to violence, especially in drinking spots and areas with snooker games. She said projects in the area were progressing well as most of them were almost at completion stages.
Ms Nchadi Joseph, a Block 1 resident, complained of noise in the area as drinking spots did not operate within the stipulated times. She said the noise disturbed children during their study affecting their academic performance.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
