Parliament can do that in various ways; questions, themes, motions and debates in the House as well as Committees. One important Portfolio Committee that ensures that the executive accounts to the people through Parliament is a committee dealing with government assurances. The said responsibility of government assurance is in respect of Botswana Parliament a task of a committee on Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defence, Security and Government Assurances. In terms of Standing Order 113.2, the committee shall exercise oversight and scrutiny in respect of all Parliamentary Government Assurances.
Exactly what are government assurances? During Parliament, when questions or themes are asked or discussions are made, the government through, Ministers make promises or assurances or undertakings to Parliamentarians that certain things will be done. The main function of the committee should be to scrutinise the promises made from time to time and to report to the House on the extent to which such assurances have been implemented to specifications, budget and schedule. The Committee has to update Parliament on delays in implementation and the adequacy or lack thereof of actions taken.
