Saleshando urges residents to vote BCP

STATES MODIBATI
Correspondent | Thursday June 26, 2008 00:00

 

Speaking at a political rally at Magotho Freedom Square on Sunday, BCP leader Gilson Saleshando expressed concern that the Bayei have a tendency of accepting government policies that negatively affect them. Citing events following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FDM) in the area, he said despite being promised that their cattle would be vaccinated, cattle were instead killed without compensation.

Saleshando wondered why government failed to erect a robust buffalo fence to prevent wildlife from mingling with cattle in a region known to have cattle as the backbone of farmers' economic survival. 'This demonstrates that the government does not take residents seriously though they continue voting for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) at every general election.'

He said it might be that the tribe does not comprehend the importance of NDF/BAM/BCP PACT. 'If you vote for our candidates you will be represented effectively at every level,' he said.

On other issues, Saleshando challenged President Ian Khama to roll out programmes that will rescue the majority who are wallowing in poverty. 'Ian Khama should bring programmes that will create job opportunities for the people,' he said. He gave an example that a factory based in Tubu making bottles, and another elsewhere, producing juice would ease starvation and benefit the people through employment opportunities.
Referring to the three BDP Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ngamiland, Ronald Ridge, Frank Ramsden and Jacob Nkate, he condemned them for failure to effectively represent the people who sent them to Parliament. 'They fear the wrath of BDP leadership if they voice their displeasure at the slow pace of development and the prevailing poverty in the district,' he charged.

The BAM/NDF/BCP PACT leader said Especially Elected MP Botsalo Ntuane is an example of a BDP member who had been humiliated when he was 'forced to retract and apologise for casting aspersions on the new liquor laws'.

Saleshando urged the PACT supporters to register on August 11 for the 2009 general election, predicting that it is possible for the PACT candidates to win the two Maun constituencies next year.

He informed his audience that though it is known that chiefs who join politics on a BDP  ticket usually stand unopposed, the incumbent Maun West MP (Ridge) has indicated that he is prepared to be challenged by Paramount Chief Tawana Moremi in the BDP primary elections.

On the retirement of former president Festus Mogae, he said the people had impoverished themselves by 'handing money and other gifts to Mogae who is now residing at Phakalane in a luxurious house worth P20 million constructed with taxpayers money'.

Veteran opposition politician Motsamai Mpho urged Bayei to reject Tawana because his late grandmother annoyed Bayei by using a derogatory term in 1948. He said: 'You are not supposed to vote for Tawana even Ridge because he has failed as a representative.'

Earlier, BAM vice president Taolo Habano criticised the expansion of Maun Airport in the middle of the village, saying it will bring misery to the residents, through noise and air pollution. He lamented that although Ngamiland is known for its abundant cattle and agriculture, tourism has been preferred to the benefit of foreigners at the expense of local people.

BAM president Lepetu Setshwaelo, who addressed the meeting before the PACT leader, expressed concern that big companies like Lobtrans and Activox lost P8 million and P3 million respectively when they collapsed, leaving employees in the cold. He said they expected a statement from the Office of President (OP) on how the money vanished and what is going to be done about the collapsed companies.

About school fees, Setshwaelo said many parents are unable to pay school fees because of starvation resulting in children suffering mental torture. He also revealed that in Ngamiland BCP candidates will use the BAM disc while in Okavango BAM aspirants will use the BCP disc in an attempt to wrestle the constituencies from the BDP next year.

Meanwhile, the rally observed a moment's silence in memory of the late BCP stalwart and former Okavango MP Joseph Kavindama who died last Thursday.

Senior BAM heavyweights secretary general Matlhomola Modise and chairman Lethogile Sethoko were also present at the rally.