Co-ops are economic empowerment avenues

GABORONE - Some MPs have welcomed plans to improve the Cooperative Societies Act as pronounced in the Ministry of Trade and Industry's budget proposal for the coming financial year.
Some even called for the revival of the cooperative societies spirit nationwide, saying the cooperative business system is a major avenue for citizen economic empowerment. Contributing to the debate on the proposed budget for the Ministry of Trade and Commerce on Tuesday, Mmadinare MP, Mr Ponatshego Kedikilwe blamed the demise of the cooperative societies on poor management practices and lack of commitment from the boards.
He said most villages in the country used to have cooperative societies, but that a majority of them have folded.
Mr Kedikilwe suggested that proper auditing could improve the societies and rid them of corrupt practices and maladministration.
Mr Kedikilwe, who is the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, also emphasised the importance of the informal sector. He urged the government to device measures and strategies to help develop the sub sector.
He argued that most informal traders do not need expensive warehouses but rather basic infrastructure such as shades.
Another MP, Mr Calvin Batsile of Kanye North, also welcomed the proposed new Cooperative Societies' Act.
For his part, Tati West MP, Mr Samson Guma-Moyo urged the government to balance its campaign against alcohol with the implications of an alcohol levy and inflation on ordinary Batswana.
He acknowledged that the country is facing a serious problem of alcohol abuse, but said the best way to fight the challenge is education.
Another MP who contributed to the debate, Mr Kavis Kario of Selibe-Phikwe West appealed to the government to consider declaring Selebi-Phikwe a zero rent town on Botswana Development Cooperation (BDC) factory shells in order to attract investments.
He said there is a high level of unemployment in the town as many businesses have closed down.
Gaborone West North MP, Mr Otsweletse Moupo, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, said the BDC is misplaced under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and should be under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. BOPA