Heads will roll � Molefhi
Onalenna Kelebeile | Tuesday January 24, 2017 16:42
This was said by the Member of Parliament for Selebi- Phikwe East Nonofo Molefhi. “Heads will roll if corruption is evident leading to the collapse of the company. All the findings will be contained in the provisional liquidator’s report,” he said.
Addressing residents of Ikageleng ward in Selebi-Phikwe last Wednesday, Molefhi who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development allayed concerns that potential investors that are expected to set up in Selebi-Phikwe may be fronting for certain individuals in positions of authority.
“Nobody among the coming investors is either a minister or an MP. Ministers declare their interests to the President once they assume their offices and they are not allowed to be directors of any company,” he said.
He added that if there is proof of influence of any decision by anybody in position of authority proper legal action would be taken.
Residents wanted to know the government’s position regarding state owned organisations that collapse as a result of mismanagement.
They also wanted to know what government has done concerning BCL because employees have been calling for government’s intervention concerning alleged mismanagement and misappropriation at the mine way before liquidation.
They also wanted to know how government is going to ascertain that investors coming to Selebi-Phikwe are genuine and transparent and not fronting for anyone.
Molefhi maintained that the appointment of former Bank of Botswana governor, Linah Mohohlo was proper and in the best interest of the town’s economy as she possesses vast experience in the field as compared to suggestions that locals (Selebi-Phikwe-based) could do better.
There were also suggestions that the local economy’s revitalisation committee must comprise local political leaders regardless of their political affiliations because they know the situation on the ground better.
“There had never been political differences in the efforts to revive the economy of the SPEDU region. Sometimes bringing politicians together would delay good intentions as issues may be handled along political lines,” he said.
He emphasised that an independent but experienced person is crucial.
He noted that as many businesses are coming to setup in Selebi-Phikwe it is government’s intention to ensure that all stakeholders play their part and work around the clock to assist them.
“Mohohlo has been appointed to ensure that no stakeholder delays the intentions by failing to deliver,” he said.
“A chamber of commerce has already been registered and SPEDU will play a leadership role. It will also give local people powers to push and advocate for the local economy,” he added.
The minister also said plans are still well underway to cushion people affected by the BCL Mine closure against the harsh impact of the situation and said it became impossible to do so early because the liquidation was an emergency. He noted that liquidating BCL was not an easy decision on the part of government.
“Let us not despair, but develop a spirit of resilience and turn the tragedy into an opportunity of pursuing other means of survival,” he added.
Molefhi advised that situations must also serve as a lesson to always prepare ahead of disasters and cited taking up insurance policies that cover loans acquired from banks.
He said that would avert situations where those who lost their jobs are faced with dilemmas of paying back the loans. He noted that acquiring Nkomati and Tati Nickel were viable economic decisions by BCL but the unfavourable business climate led to an abrupt closure of the mine.
Molefhi also announced that Water Utilities Corporation is billed to undergo a retrenchment exercise that is in line with government’s plan to restructure the parastatals. He added that restructuring was necessary to modify the corporation’s operations in a view of improving its business. “The restructuring exercise concludes in February and employees are already being provided with counselling to prepare them for any eventuality. We are not yet sure how many jobs will be lost but proper consultations will be done with employees and their trade unions,” he added.