Africa-Press – Botswana. Francistown West MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane has clarified the government’s phased approach to increasing old age pension.
Addressing a kgotla meeting in Monarch , Mr Moswaane said while the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) promised a P1 800 allowance and the initial P1 400 payment reflects the current financial constraints facing the country. He emphasised that this was a starting point, reiterating the government’s commitment to reaching the full P1 800 amount in due course. The phased rollout, he argued, was a pragmatic response to the nation’s economic challenges.
Mr Moswaane also announced several other key initiatives; the lowering of the pensionable age from 65 to 60 effective next year, a 30-day assessment period for destitution allowances, focusing on the needs of entire families rather than solely the head of household, mandatory training for destitution allowance recipients before enrollment and a 30 per cent reduction in water bills. The reduction of the water bill, he explained, was necessary to alleviate financial strain following increased rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to participatory democracy and called for greater youth involvement in national development, criticising excessive negativity and unproductive internet use. He encouraged the youth to utilise unused facilities like Leseding Hall as resource centres and to explore entrepreneurial ventures, suggesting tuition centres as a viable option.
Mr Moswaane proposed a constituency community project (CCP) initiative to acquire a farm and tractor, facilitating agricultural activities in areas in his constituency. He revealed a plan to personally accompany the City of Francistown Council in a house-to-house collection of outstanding service loans.
Finally, he confirmed the Chema Chema fund’s conversion from a loan to a grant, with plans to refund those who had already repaid loans. The grant, he stressed, should be used responsibly for business purposes.
Councillor Dorcus Moemedi of Monarch Central raised concerns about businesses affected by recent flood and delays in old age pension payments, noting the risks faced by pensioners who arrive at payment points at very early hours of the day.
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