May we please have clean water tenders!

Mmegi Editor | Friday February 10, 2023 15:13

As stated by the minister, the lion’s share of the proposed Development Budget goes to the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs amounting to P6.07 billion, or 28.89%.

She said the funds are for implementation of major water projects. They include amongst others the North South Carrier 2.2 project, which consists of a potable water pipeline from Palapye through to Mmamashia, with associated water works, to transfer water from the north to supply the populated southern part of the country.

A proportion of the budget will also be spent on completion of projects such as the North South Carrier 2.3 (Mmamashia – Gaborone Water Supply Scheme), Lobatse Water Master Plan, Moshupa Sanitation, Selebi Phikwe -Serule Water Works and Kasane-Kazungula Water Networks.

It all looks so beautiful on paper and Batswana are hopeful they will finally get these critical services they have longed for. However, we have all seen what happened in the past as fighting for water tenders held lives at ransom.

It is our plea to powers that be that proper management and monitoring of these mobilised funds is undertaken to ensure that those who need to benefit will have water, land and related services.

We have heard of reports where those close to the country’s leadership are fingered in some of the cases which are currently before courts. Elections are close by and we should have all checks and balances in place. Some of those involved in the huge water tenders have been accused of not even paying taxes. We hope the tax agency, BURS, will ensure that only compliant companies are awarded the tenders.

Last year, we had a whole Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bonolo Khumotaka, resign from her plum job citing unfavourable conditions. We hope that the current Ministry leadership, the DCEC, and all other relevant stakeholders come to the party and ensure all is done accordingly. We also urge President Mokgweetsi Masisi to ensure that these are done accordingly.

Whatever form of corruption that can take place, there is some upright Motswana who is a witness to it. Despite this, Batswana still keep quiet and suffer.

Remember, you and your children need the land, the clean water and all other developments. May we all know our role and blow the whistle.

If you do not trust the DCEC and other places to report, media houses are always ready to listen and follow up the issues. This is all done to ensure that things are done by the book.

Today's thought

“Without strong watchdog institutions, impunity becomes the very foundation upon which systems of corruption are built. And if impunity is not demolished, all efforts to bring an end to corruption are in vain. “

-Rigoberta Menchu