The Non-Bank Financial Act provides for the regulation of non-financial institutions to enhance their safety and soundness. It also intends to set high standards of conduct of business by non-bank financial institutions by improving the fairness, efficacy and orderliness of the sector. It will also enhance stability of the financial system and reduce and deter financial crime.

On the Livestock and Meat Industries Bill, Parliament has agreed to re-enact the bill with amendments. The Livestock and Meat Industries Act will provide for the slaughter of domestic livestock, farmed game, wild game and poultry for human consumption. It will also address the control and operation of abattoirs, slaughter slabs, cold storage facilities, meat processing plants, cutting premises, canning plants and the marketing, grading and inspection of livestock, livestock products and other related matters.

Members of Parliament had previously indicated that the bill would not only ensure hygienic meat consumption, but would also curb escalating theft of cattle.

Specially elected MP Moggie Mbaakanyi said that since Botswana is a well-known beef country and it contributes to the economy, there is a need to improve hygienic standards of the abattoirs. She was elated over the fact that the new bill will consolidate the control and inspection of slaughter and processing facilities under one central authority. Most of the parliamentarians called for the bill to be implemented countrywide and not give priority to cities, towns and major villages.

Meanwhile, the feasibility study, which will determine among others, the science and technology programmes can be offered efficiently and cost effectively at the coming Botswana International University of Science and Technology will also determine whether Botswana College of Agriculture will become an integral part of the second university.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Peter Siele said that recommendations for the second university had suggested that BCA should become an integral part of the second university and should move to new facilities on the campus of the second university.

"Both degree and sub - degree provisions should be transferred to the second university," reads the recommendation. Siele was responding to a question from the MP for Ngwaketse West, Mephato Reatile, who wanted to know if BCA would fall under the new university since it offers science-based courses.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Neo Moroka told Parliament that the contractor doing maintenance work at Athlone Hospital in Lobatse failed to complete the job by July 2006 as originally planned. Moroka, who was speaking on behalf of the Health Minister indicated that additional defects were later discovered, which had not been included in the original maintenance works tender. "There were no cost overruns on the original works, however, the cost of additional maintenance works is approximately P3,500,000," he said.