Bame Piet
6 March 2008
Outgoing President, Festus Mogae and his family have already moved to his retirement home in the up-market Phakalane suburb in Gaborone North. "He moved on the second week of January," private secretary to the President, Nkoloi Nkoloi said yesterday. "The house is finished. It is ready and it is occupied," he confirmed.
"Mogae will be given his staff as a retired president and government will take care of him as prescribed in the law," he said. He added that even some of his personal belongings at his office have also been moved as the hours to his retirement day shrink.
The president who is touring the country to bid farewell to the nation is getting presents from members of the public that include cattle, goats, horses and household goods.
Nkoloi said though it is a process to collect live animals they had already started doing so and they have secured a place where they will be kept.
Furniture and other household goods will be kept at State House in the meantime before they are given to President Mogae.
Nkoloi cleared the confusion over the ownership of the Phakalane house saying it belongs to government.
The house was built at an estimated P20 million and government is going to spend around P16 million to refurbish the State House where it is hoped that incoming President Lt General Ian Khama will be staying.
The president's retirement package:
Staff - security officers to be determined by the president, two drivers, one private secretary, one secretary, one office attendant.
Office and equipment - office accommodation, telephone, a computer, office furniture and such other other office equipment as may be determined by the president.
Housing - A furnished residential house in Gaborone or such housing allowance as may be determined by the President.
Medical - Medical for the former President and the spouse
Travel - First class air travel within Botswana. First class international air travel up to a maximum of four trips per annum,including spouse if accompanying, and such per diem for each trip as may be determined by the President.
Transport - Three vehicles namely; One sedan (Mercedes or an equivalent or similar class of motor vehicle.
One 4 wheel drive station wagon
One pick-up van
The vehicles will be permanently at the disposal of the former President and carry BX registration number plates unless otherwise decided by Parliament. As with other government vehicles, the vehicles will be replaced as and when necessary.
Other benefits - Entertainment allowance as may be determined by the President.
Telephone expenses in respect of the office and official residence in Gaborone.
Water and electricity expenses in respect of the office and official residence in Gaborone.
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