Cllrs cry over nominated colleagues� pay :: Mmegi Online

FRANCISTOWN: Francistown opposition councillors have sneered at the ‘waste’ perpetrated by the government after they learnt about the hefty annual salaries of their nominated colleagues. The onslaught was led by Botswana Congress Party (BCP) councillors after revelations that government uses P12,747,417 annually to pay nominated councillors. They said it was clear proof that taxpayers’ money is being wasted on the specially elected councillors.

Tabengwa Tabengwa of Ikageleng ward said the opposition has been vindicated as they have always castigated the government for abusing the system of nominations. “We have never agreed with this issue of nominated councillors because it is being abused here in Botswana. In essence, nominated councillors are supposed to come into the council equipped with special skills. But that is not the case with the BDP government,” he said.

He added angrily: “These nominated councillors in our council do not do anything. They hardly ever contribute in debates in council sessions and others are always on their phones in the meetings”.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.