Tati East Legislator, Samson Guma Moyo, has called on the private sector to strengthen its ties with government to try and eradicate poverty.
During the handing over ceremony of a destitute house in Matsiloje Village over the weekend by Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC), Moyo said that government alone cannot afford to eradicate poverty without much input from the private sector.
┬á“Government is mandated with creating a favourable environment for the private sector to do business, therefore, it is also upon the private sector to play an active role by also helping government to eradicate poverty by giving back to the communities which would help boost the economy,” he said.
Moyo raised worries over Botswana’s economic dependency on mineral revenue, adding that there is dire need by both the government and the private sector to reinforce efforts in diversifying the economy.
He also implored the mining industry to look beyond mining and consider the future and welfare of the people in the areas they operate in.
“The mining industry should look beyond mining and consider the welfare and future of the communities that it does business in. These communities played their part by availing land for these mines to do business and, as such, they are also expecting the mines to play a part in developing their lives in return, he said.
Moyo lauded TNMC’s charity gesture saying that the mine had continued to play a significant role in developing the lives of people, especially in the North East District.
TNMC donated the house as part of its Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and as a response to President Ian Khama’s housing appeal initiative.
