Gov’t must support the oxygen  project

Mmegi Editor | Friday August 6, 2021 13:14

It is only now that we seem to recognise that there is need for an oxygen generating plant in the country when COVID-19 is ravaging citizens.

With government having set out to revitalise Selebi-Phikwe following closure of the BCL Mine, one would have expected the leadership of the country to ensure that all the projects kick off for job creation. In the process, we ensure we get supply of some of the products we have been sourcing abroad. With oxygen gas plant having failed to kick off due to just a piece of paper from relevant ministries, it leaves one with more questions than answers.

Right now, the country is forced to make quick procurement of the gas, which will likely be very expensive just because people could not execute their duties on time.

It is in such circumstances that the State President should use his State of Emergency powers to ensure support for the project and make sure it kicks off as soon as possible.

The government has already done well with the 30% take- off incentive and it is now important that it continues supporting such a crucial first of its kind project.

The Ministry acknowledges that the plant will really be of great importance to the country and the SPEDU region as it comes at a time when the country and indeed the rest of the world is in dire need of oxygen. It will add and augment oxygen supply that could be utilised by both public and private health facilities.

This should also be a lesson to us to ensure that when government sees a project as viable, we support it and encourage the private sector to do the same. There are many promising projects in the SPEDU region and other Special Economic Zones which ought to be supported to make way for others.

Still on the oxygen gas, we commend the Ski Khama Foundation for the great initiative to help government to get oxygen concentrators as the government deals with tendering processes for the same. We also call on potential donors to utilise the Foundation or alternatively the COVID-19 Fund to support the cause to save lives.

The fight against COVID- 19 is for us all. Let’s all take the responsibility to save lives and follow protocols.

Today's thought

“None of us, including me,

ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

– Mother Teresa