Khama Unveils His Grand Plan
President Ian Khama has unveiled his multi-faceted dream to turn Botswana from a diamond dependent economy to a producer country and a competitive service provider in Africa.
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A new town will be built at Pandamatenga, specifically to turn agricultural products into finished goods. The long abandoned Maun Abattoir will be revived to can beef, while a rail network linking Botswana to Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia has been mooted.
The youth have topped Khama's agenda in his second State of the Nation Address. A rainbow of programmes have been announced to assist the youth to contribute in driving the economy of the country. Perhaps the most welcome relief is the announcement that housing schemes will be put in place for the poor, the youth and first time employees, while Botswana Housing Corporation tenants will now have the rare chance to buy their rented houses through tenant purchase scheme.
Elsewhere recreational parks and youth enterprises will be rolled out, thanks to the P180 million raised from the 30 percent alcohol levy imposed at the end of 2008. Robust measures in the area of health are deliberately targeted at growing Botswana into a centre of excellence in medical services, with more and more specialised clinics setting up at various government hospitals.
