Modubule clashes with Moatlhodi

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Tuesday March 30, 2010 00:00

 

This followed a decision by Moatlhodi not to allow a motion tabled on Friday by Mmoloki Raletobana calling on government to suspend the takeover of clinics by the Ministry of Health. 

It was agreed last Friday that since the takeover is scheduled for April 1, the debate on the motion should continue yesterday afternoon after time elapsed before it could be resolved. 

However, when Modubule enquired why the motion was not put on the business of the day, Moatlhodi said that private members motions are reserved for Fridays, while Mondays to Thursdays is for government bills.

The two had a heated exchange with Moatlhodi threatening to call security to kick Modubule out of Parliament. An unfazed Modubule replied that Moatlhodi was abusing his powers and displaying 'arrogance' in refusing to allow debate when he knew that April 1 is this week. He walked out of the House after the argument.

This is the second heated exchange in Parliament in less than seven days involving the deputy Speaker.

The MP for Molepolole South, Daniel Kwelagobe engaged in a spat last Wednesday with Moatlhodi whom he accused of trampling on the independence of Parliament to push government agenda.

Meanwhile Parliament allowed government to raise a loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to part-finance the expansion and upgrading for Kasane Airport. 

The Minister of Finance, Kenneth Matambo responded to MPs calls to engage local companies saying government was already doing so. He said that it was unfortunate the loans from international financial institutions came with conditions such as procuring the services of companies from the countries where the money is sourced.

He added that the other problem is that local companies are under-resourced and could not be engaged for major projects that need advanced technology. 

He said that he would avail to the House information detailing how many local companies are sub-contracted in major projects in the country involving foreigners as major contractors.

He revealed that government has raised over P3 billion from local financial institutions hence it is not true that it is only interested in raising loans from international financial institutions.

The project intends to expand the Kasane Airport runway, terminal building and VIP waiting room and lounge.