Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) backbenchers have requested cabinet to reconsider its plans to approve the proposed 5% electricity tariff.
This comes after Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) recently indicated that the suggested 5% increase is a compromise tariff hike. The utility said that in normal circumstances it would have proposed a 20% upward electricity tariff adjustment for its operational efficiency.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Letlhakeng-Lephephe Liakat Kablay told this publication that it is not ideal for cabinet to approve the proposal adding that citizens are still battling increased cost of living.
Kablay highlighted that given government plans to export a certain portion of power to neighbouring South Africa, it is only fair that Batswana should not be subjected to suffering.
“We are currently trying to engage the Minister responsible to understand why this proposal cannot be ignored. He also has to understand that we are politicians. If the increase goes ahead it will backfire on us,” said Kablay.
“I do not see any need to approve this proposal, so I guess cabinet will listen to our grievances regarding this issue because it will do more harm than good,” added Kablay.
Kablay further said at this point cabinet should seek alternative ways in which they can emancipate citizens from the economic hardships.
“I want to believe that should this 5% be approved it will definitely discourage most people especially in the rural areas to connect electricity to their homes,” he said.
On the other hand, MP for Gantsi North Johane Thiite said he has already prepared a question to put before the Minister responsible during the Minister’s question time on Thursday this week to understand the rationale behind the proposed 5% electricity tariffs.
“At this point I am restricted to discuss much regarding the issue because I have put it through to be discussed so that we can understand why there should be any thought to the suggestion,” said Thiite.
MP for Kgalagadi South Sam Brooks also said there is need to engage further on the issue adding that there is an outcry from citizens regarding the increasing cost of living in the country.
Brooks stated that so far they have not been briefed on the issue adding that it is only logical that further engagements are done before a decision can be made.
“I want to believe that we all know how difficult it has become since the start of Covid-19 and in this case I guess cabinet will do the needful,” said Brooks.
Recently, speaking at the BPC Public Hearings on its proposal for a 5% tariff increment, BPC chief financial officer, Oaitse Ramasedi, said the corporation is not paying tax because it is currently making losses.
He noted that should the 5% increment get approved, the corporation will make a profit of about P494 million.
He said that the BPC needs to have a positive cash flow to continue servicing the nation.
