Africa-Press – Botswana. Political differences must not cloud the contributions of leaders in the formation of the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12), says Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa.
The implementation of NDP 12, initially set to commence at the beginning of the month, has been delayed to incorporate new perspectives that will better serve the nation and its citizens.
During consultations on NDP 12 with political and administrative leaders from Selebi Phikwe and Bobirwa on Monday, Mr Mohwasa emphasised the importance of these discussions as a platform for strategising the plan’s upcoming implementation, to begin in November, pending completion of necessary stakeholder consultations.
“The consultations must translate into tangible benefits for all, recognising that sustainable progress relies not solely on economic strategies but also on collective engagement from the populace in shaping their future,” Mr Mohwasa said.
He stressed that collaborative efforts derived from the consultations meetings were crucial for attracting investment opportunities that would benefit the country and its citizens.
“Current socio-economic challenges facing the nation require collaborative measures. It is imperative that we set aside our political differences and serve the nation with focus and commitment above all else,” said Mr Mohwasa.
In doing so, Mr Mohwasa articulated the need for government to establish comprehensive measures aligning development goals with grassroots realities while addressing the future of various sectors, including infrastructure, information technology, and health.
He further noted that Bobirwa District had potential in tourism and cross border business opportunities that were needed to diversify and revitalise the economy of the region.
Chairperson of Selebi Phikwe Business Botswana, Mr Palalani Moitlhobogi, called for an integrated approach to development to meet the needs of the business community.
He expressed concern that aspiring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face obstacles when seeking assistance to develop their ideas, hindering potentially transformative initiatives in the region. Additionally, he identified the allocation of business plots as a barrier to economic growth.
Moitlhobogi also proposed transforming the Selebi Phikwe airport into a cargo facility to reduce logistical challenges faced by local businesses engaged in exporting and importing goods.
Ikageleng Phase 1 ward councilor, Mr Silent Leburu advocated for government-friendly policies supportive of startups.
Kgosi Mphoeng Mphoeng of Mmadinare applauded the government’s decision to embrace Information Communication Technology (ICT), emphasising the need for intensified efforts at the grassroots level.
Still at the meeting, Bobonong Central ward councilor, Mr Jewit Tshetlhane, urged that elders be given opportunities to document their indigenous knowledge for future generations.
The acting commissioner general of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Ms Keganele Malikongwa, indicated that a key policy paper from the NPC would outline priorities based on ideas raised during the consultations.
She assured that there would be feedback mechanisms in place to evaluate the connectivity of the raised ideas.
Selebi Phikwe Mayor, Mr Oageng Makgosa, expressed appreciation for the initiative and optimism that the government would develop sustainable solutions for the town and the broader SPEDU (Selebi Phikwe Economic Development Unit) region.
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