Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
Bame Piet
30 October 2009
Gaborone — The new parliamentarians will have to brace themselves for harsh conditions as soon as the House resumes business in the coming few weeks.
Mmegi is informed that the renovation of Parliamentary Flats is progressing at a snail's pace. "As a matter of fact there isn't much going on at the Parliamentary Village that could be classified as refurbishment," said an MP, who preferred not to be identified.
The slow progress could be a blow to the image of the National Assembly, especially that Members of Parliament (MPs) of the ninth Parliament started complaining about the poor state of the apartments as far back as 2006. They complained that the roofs were leaking and ceilings falling apart, thus putting their lives in danger. The cause of the delay in refurbishment is attributed to some MPs' refusal to vacate their flats when Parliament was dissolved in August. Clerk of the National Assembly, Barbara Dithapo, when contacted, referred this reporter to her junior whom she said had all the data.
Mmegi is also informed that MPs will be reporting for orientation on November 9, but it is unclear whether they will be staying at the dilapidated flats.
In an interview with this paper last year, former Clerk of the National Assembly Ernest Mpofu revealed that it would require over P10 million to refurbish the flats to acceptable standard. He added that even the Parliament Building needed refurbishment.
What MPs should bring with them
Since the flats at the Parliamentary Village are leaking, there is need for them to stretch their maiden budgets to purchase bowls and buckets to collect storm water that will find its way into their rooms whenever it rains. In addition, the MPs should bring with them at least a pair of strong men, who will be on standby to shift around furniture whenever it is raining. The strong men should also be engaged for security chores because there is a lapse in such service at the Parliamentary Village.
A few years ago, two MPs woke up in the morning to find that their apartments had been broken into, during which cellphones and cash were stolen. One of the victims was Mahalapye East MP, now Assistant Minister of Local Government, Botlogile Tshireletso.
Then, she told our sister newspaper Monitor that the thugs broke into her apartment, while she was sleeping at night and stole P1,000 cash, two cellphones and two watches.
The matter was reported to the Central Police Station but nobody was arrested. Another victim was Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, who could not state how much he lost. The break-in occurred when he was away.
Recreational Club
This is the place where MPs pass their time sipping a few cold ones. But the jaunt is no longer a safe haven for anybody, after two MPs exchanged blows after an argument. The alleged fight came at the height of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) factional feuding. There was no referee or scorekeeper to monitor, but those who witnessed the fight say it was a great match to watch.
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