Nkaigwa hits at govt silence on power

Victor Muyakwabo | Tuesday March 25, 2014 15:06

 

“The continued power cuts experienced by residents are very disturbing. Some businesses in Gaborone have shut down and what is disturbing is that the leadership of the country has been quiet about this whilst it is an issue of national interest,” said Nkaigwa during the full council meeting yesterday.

He said it was disappointing that whilst the country continued to be affected by this un-timed power cuts the leadership seems less bothered.

“We cannot continue to invest more and more money into the Morupule B project whilst not being fully appraised of its progress as a nation. I want to challenge the country leadership to come out clear and give an address to Batswana and the investors on the status of our power supply,” he said.

Nkaigwa said that shortage of power is a serious matter that threatens investor confidence. He called for a commission of inquiry on the power crisis. 

“It is time for the leadership to account to Batswana on the status of their power supply. We have been affected and therefore we need our leaders to take us seriously as a nation.

Heads should roll and people must account for all the losses suffered by Batswana and local investors,” said Nkaigwa.

The mayor noted in his address that Botswana continues to lose money due to unfinished projects.

“No major capital project has been completed in the past seven years without major challenges. Let me remind the leadership of this country that Batswana and investors are waiting for answers on the future of their country,” he said.

Nkaigwa observed that generally the cost of living has increased in the city with civil servants and private sector salaries having been stagnant without any meaningful movement.

 But, said the mayor, some companies continuing to enjoy great profits, salaries of their employees have been stagnant.

Nkaigwa said that most of the retail stores are paying their employees peanuts while they continue to reap high profits. He said there was a need for government to review the minimum wage across industries.

“Companies have taken advantage of this low minimum wage to underpay employees whilst realising huge returns. It is Batswana who continue to be beggars in their own country but helping other nations to reap what could have been theirs,” he said.