Selebi-Phikwe — Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Security, Robert Molefhabangwe, has suggested that Selebi-Phikwe should be given special dispensation.

Speaking at a press conference last week here, Molefhabangwe said this town should not be treated like other towns.

He said that the government must concentrate on things that can attract investors to set up quickly in Selebi-Phikwe, such as reducing tax, low rental rates and provision of serviced land.

He stated that most people complain of serviced land which is the most expensive thing in business. He mentioned that if such issues are ironed out, Selebi-Phikwe will be resuscitated. Molefhabangwe also observed that there was unnecessary bureaucracy in government that leads to delays when people apply for permits and other necessities such as electricity.

Molefhabangwe told the press conference that his committee was on tour to consult and interrogate the challenges and success of the mining industry in Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe.

He observed that Francistown was the biggest town in the north and they consulted with Tati Nickel Mining and Moolmans Mining Botswana. Some of the issues arose include the influx of job seekers to Francistown.

"Mining companies also complained about cross border crime because Francistown is near the Zimbabwean border.

The border is only 1.5 kilometres from Tati Mine. The area between Francistown and the border is also a heavy bush," he said. Molefhabangwe said the business community in Selebi-Phikwe also informed them about their concerns, some rising from the fear about the closure of the BCL Mine.

He said some complained about the time taken to process permits. He pointed out that the issue about the closure of BCL Mine was not a new one because Selebi-Phikwe former Members of Parliament, Kebatlamang Morake and Gilson Saleshando had left it and the current legislators, Kavis Kario and Nonofo Molefhi, have found it.

He went on to say that the business community also complained about the escalation of crime in Selebi-Phikwe.

He mentioned that the Selebi-Phikwe police were also over-stretched and lacked resources and manpower. Molefhabangwe went on to reveal that access to Tuli ranches was a burning issue that has reached Parliament.

He stated that ranch owners have turned themselves into 'semi-gods' in the area by blocking off spaces between the ranches and the border.

He mentioned that the gates are only opened when the President visits the area and the police are not allowed to patrol the area.

He added that obstructing a police officer was an offence and it was surprising that these people are not charged.