The Voice (Francistown)
Segametsi Kebonang
29 April 2008
Masunga — The 15 per cent salary increase across the board for civil servants was awarded to the advantage of the country's economy says Tati East MP Mr Samson Guma.
Addressing kgotla meeting at Mowana, Jackalas 1 and Ramokgwebana Mr Guma who is also finance assistant minister said though the commission's report recommended 30 per cent salary increase it also recommended retrenchment of others officers to capitalise on the 30 per cent increase.
He explained that there was no way the government could accept the retrenchment of people because the country was already faced with high unemployment rate, especially among the youth.
He also said the reason behind the 15 per cent was the fact that diamond production, which the country's economy rely on would depreciate with time.
Thus it would require economic diversification and a lot of savings for the future generation to also benefit, hence the 15 per cent.
He called on the villagers to revive the spirit of self-reliance to avoid depending on government for everything. In doing this, he said they would be creating a better future for themselves and the upcoming generation.
Mr Guma also called on for proper utilisation and accountability for allocated funds for the financial year 2008/09.
He said at times he was disappointed and embarrassed by officers who fail to utilise developmental funds to the fullest and as a result, a lot of money was always returned to the ministry.
He revealed that this financial year about P8.5 billion had been allocated for developments such as road constructions, water reticulation and electricity connection in various villages.
In addition, he said various developments such as the Francistown-Dumela and Francistown-Tonota roads would be upgraded to dual roads, and the Ramokgwebana-Francistown Road would be upgraded
Various villages along this road would be tarred as to the 10 kilometre access road guideline.
He also told them that out of the P1.2 billion budgeted for the construction of the Dikgatlhong Dam in Robelela Village about P113 million had already been released to kick start the project. BOPA
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