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Farmers bay for BMC blood

The BMC purchases cattle in Ngamiland at P31/kg
The BMC purchases cattle in Ngamiland at P31/kg

MAUN: Against a backdrop of crippling late payments, farmers have been calling for punitive measures against the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

The state-owned abattoir had lately outdone itself with most payments for the cattle that were sold in April/May only paid for in November.

Prominent farmer and former chairman of North West Integrated Farmers Association (NWIFA), Simon Bojosi has suggested that should the BMC continue with late payments, interest and other surcharges must be levied on the parastatal. He argued that parastatals, and indeed other government departments should see the livestock sector for what it is – a business. “And business sells goods and services so that they can continue to be in business. Now if you fail to pay for my goods, you’re effectively putting me out of business,” he reasoned.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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