BDP blocks power, water probe :: Mmegi Online

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) used its majority vote in Parliament yesterday to kill the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)’s urgent motion for a legislative probe into the power and water crises gripping the country.

The motion followed two days of pandemonium in the National Assembly, starting on Monday when security personnel carried UDC Gaborone Central MP, Phenyo Butale out of Parliament after a heated debate over the motion. Deputy Speaker, Kagiso Molatlhegi ordered Butale to be forced out, as tensions rose over the tabling of the urgent motion.

Yesterday morning, UDC leaders held an emotional briefing where they vowed to seek answers for the electricity and water crisis “even if we have to bring Parliament to a standstill”. Tensions were high at the National Assembly ahead of its afternoon sitting, after UDC legislators said they would “use force” to get their motion heard.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.