Khama, BDP MPs differ on salaries

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 22, 2011 00:00

 

Just yesterday, two more MPs, Liakat Kablay of Letlhakeng West and Raynor Makosha Nata/Gweta joined the three-week chorus also calling for a hike in salaries. Others who have spoken before them have bravely called for salary increment.

Kablay said that government must also institute investigations into causes of poor academic performance by students in Kweneng West, something he said has led to the area being the most impoverished in the country. He urged government to invest more in education of young people than any other sectors as education can help people uplift the living standards of their families and relatives. He further urged government to improve ISPAAD and avail transport for agricultural demonstrators and veterinary officers whom he said sometimes walk long distances to do their work.

The MP appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to desist from purchasing expensive vehicles that are parked at Gaborone headquarters, whilst field officers are suffering.

Makosha called on government to distribute developments fairly and consider establishment of a State mining company.

Meanwhile MP for Francistown South Wynter Mmolotsi supported the calls for increment saying members of cabinet live like kings, whilst the masses are suffering. He said that the government dispersed two aircraft to the recent Molepolole BDP political rally that were escorted by a convoy of government vehicles. He added that the splashing of huge sums of funds in DIS when there is Botswana Police Service and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is unnecessary. So far, he said, over P500 million has been spent on DIS since its establishment just 30 months ago.

Mmolotsi said government is unable to identify its priorities as evidenced by the poorly structured constituency league on which P27 million was spent last year, P8 million/month rentals for Botswana foreign missions, and the proposed P200 million backyard gardening.  He said its high time cabinet ministers exercise belt-tightening otherwise civil servants and the general public will dismiss such calls especially when applied to them.