Govt deserves credit on Eltel

Editor | Thursday June 24, 2010 00:00

We have a keen interest in this project, perhaps more than most of the initiatives government is currently embarking on. This is because we think this is one of those projects that would play a major role in nudging our country further up into a more equitable society. As a country, we have made strides in economic development, but in many instances, despite our relative success in spreading infrastructural development, we have not been able to bring the majority of our citizens into the mainstream of a modern country. Most of our people view our success from a distance, unable to see it in their lives.

We think alongside building dams and availing water, health and education services, making electricity accessible is one of the most important services a government could ever offer to its people. When government announced its intention to engage in this project, which includes electrifying 100 villages a few years ago, we were quick to point out that this would be a very important project to this country. However, as often happens with government contracts, we feared that this project would over-run its schedule and cost the taxpayer dearly. It turns out government had to give another US$6 million to fulfill the project as a result of cost-overuns. We think government should watch out for cost over-runs and nip them in the bud.

However, we also understand that in many instances, cost over-runs cannot be avoided especially when the economy changes drastically affecting all major inputs into a project. The reason why we are somewhat satisfied with this project is that it will soon be over, delivered as originally conceived. This is a great delivery on the part of both government and those involved.

                                           Merafhe misled Indian investors

We would like to advise the Vice President Mompati Merafhe to crosscheck facts before making statements because the nation and indeed the world at large takes his word very seriously. We have to say this because Merafhe recently misled Indian investors involved in the film industry, portraying Botswana as a country ready to accept investment in the sector. The reality is that just recently, the makers of Mma Ramotswe movie had to leave this country to South Africa after it occurred to them that the Botswana government was ill-prepared to develop a viable local film industry. The film makers came here with good intentions of sticking around regardless of the challenges. However, they had to leave because government could not accommodate their simple requests for the film industry. Merafhe, this country does not have the legislative, infrastructural nor the willingness to back a viable film industry. It is your government, Mr Vice President that is holding back the establishment of a film commission, an oversight authority, which would be central to the development of a film industry. The local film industry is in shambles Mr Vice President and we thought o ne o tlaa re tshegisa batho ka go ba laletsa go tla kwano re ise re ikgabetse jaana. Unless of course you know some things we do not know.  

                                                           Today's thought                'We have not asked for any increase excerpt for what was indicated in the contract. '

                          - Bengt Rostlund, Eltel Networks Local Project Manager