BCP demands BIUST in its original form

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Thursday December 9, 2010 00:00

 

The opposition members have demanded that BIUST be established in line with the original plans for this institution of higher learning.

While the demonstrations were held in Palapye it is understood that the petition stating these demands was handed to the Minister of Education Pelonomi Venson Moitoi in Gaborone by BCP vice-president Lepetu Setshwaelo.

Party members comprising MPs, councillors and several committee members, as well as scores of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana People's Party (BPP) took part in the demonstration in Palapye.

They converged at Engine Mall and demonstrated along the main road to the old mall, Kgolagano College then marched back to Delux Freedom Square where the petition was read out.

They held placards that called for the expulsion of Venson-Moitoi with some indicating that this year's examinations were just a circus. Others read 'Save BIUST save our children'

In the petition read by BCP party president, Dumelang Saleshando they state that the second university should continue to be established as originally conceived, as its mission of transforming Botswana from a resource based, to a knowledge based economy remains relevant.

The petition states that the argument that BIUST is being scaled down because of lack of money is preposterous.

The BCP believes that the problem facing Botswana today is not lack of resources. The ruling party has got its priorities wrong. The government must prioritise provision of quality education therefore there must be an increased investment in providing educational infrastructure, maintenance of existing schools and due recognition be accorded to the welfare of teachers.'

Saleshando further said the argument that the university may not get sufficient number of science students is not convincing enough given the number of students that continue to be trained outside the country. He said the government must also be reminded that as an international university of science and technology, BIUST would attract foreign students and this renders sterile the argument about shortage of students. 'The BDP government must apologise to Batswana in general and the residents of Palapye and surrounding villages in particular for causing anxiety over a project that they have patiently waited for since 2005.'

He indicated that the shocking reports of the downsizing of the second university came during the State of the Nation Address, when the nation was informed that due to implementation delays resulting in the escalation of costs and economic recession government is reviewing the project. He said a face-saving review committee has since been established to advise government if there is still justification for BIUST as originally conceived. 'Nobody knows whether BIUST will be scaled down to a technical college, district hospital, brigade of a senior secondary school. What appears is that BIUST will never materialise in its original form. A concerted campaign by all stakeholders against the scaling down of the second university could save the long-awaited university.'

He stressed that the implications of the cancellation of BIUST in its original form are immense as it will put an end to any hopes of Botswana ever becoming technologically competitive in the globalised world and the country will remain on the sidelines of scientific advancement. He further said government must know that developed nations attained their status through massive investment in science and technology. Saleshando also said there are serious implications around the issue of private investment that were made in anticipation of the establishment of a state of the art university in Palapye and said those who have made such investment are bound to lose heavily.

'Government cannot be trusted when it comes to investment decisions. Massive land that has been taken from farmers in Palapye, Lecheng and surrounding villages will go to waste. Without any doubt the scaling down of BIUST is a major betrayal that has been vested in thousands of young Batswana who would have benefited from the project.' On this year's examinations the party demands in its petition, an independent commission of enquiry to determine the real cause of the crisis, its implications and to suggest ways of avoiding a repeat of the problem. 'The investigation must suggest appropriate action to be taken against those who are found to have failed to properly execute their mandate,' reads the petition.

It also demands that Venson-Moitoi not be part of the commission and rejects the setting up of a review committee as a waste of resources as its results and proposals have been predetermined by the ruling party.

Similar demonstrations are expected in Selebi-Phikwe and other areas after which there will be an evaluation as indicated by party official Kesitegile Gobotswang.