Africa-Press – Botswana. Parliament has rejected a motion brought by Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Reuben Kaizer, which urged government to negotiate with the BCL mine liquidator on behalf of former employees.
The motion, which proposed that government should engage the liquidator on potential housing options for former BCL workers, including but not limited to rent-to-buy, turnkey, or any other social welfare housing schemes, was met with opposition.
Despite Mr Kaizer’s strong appeal, 24 MPs voted against the motion, while 16 voted in favour. In his presentation, Mr Kaizer stressed the urgent need to safeguard housing for former workers, saying many faced uncertainty and distress.
“These homes are more than just buildings, they represent stability and dignity for the families affected by the mine’s closure,” he said.
However, several MPs opposed the motion, arguing that the issue was already being addressed. Minister of Minerals and Energy and Specially Elected MP, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said there was no need for further negotiation with the liquidator because the ministry had already taken action. She explained that as of April 17 this year, MP Kaizer together with residents of Selebi Phikwe were informed that consultations had been concluded and that funds had been secured to enable government to acquire the houses from the liquidator. The payment process, she said, was already underway.
“The matter is already being handled, negotiations have been done, and we are moving toward payment, there is no need to revisit this through a motion,” said Ms Kenewendo.
She also reaffirmed government’s commitment to refurbish the houses and integrate them into a new national housing programme. Several MPs echoed the minister’s sentiments, suggesting that the motion was redundant since the government had already moved to secure the properties in question.
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