Johnnie Swartz

“I was elected council chairman of Gantsi District Council by fellow members, a position I held until 1987 when I won the Constituency seat through a by-election under the BDP banner.”

“It is envisaged thatthis will be a single window throughwhich major Government projects areexecuted in a more coordinated and efficient manner.”

“Examples of the latter include MogoditshaneSenior Secondary School staff housingand Block 10 police staff housing projects.”

“I have to point out that therehave been some challenges in implementingthis directive due to among others, thecomplexity of contractual arrangementsand management of multiple contractorson one site which requires additional humanand fi nancial resources.”

“It is my view that between the last Pitsoand now collective efforts have been madetowards overcoming many of the challengeswhich were made then.”

“This year’s theme is signalingprogress in that we are now focused towardsconsolidating strategic partnershipsbetween Government and the Private Sector.”

“These sectors have been identified as having potential to diversify the economy and promote sustainable growth. There would be individuals or companies with business ideas and with research results that can be developed into goods and services with potential for commercialization and export.”

“The tax income from the companies in Botswana Innovation Hub as well as the tax collected from the employees in Hub is also a national resource that will benefit all Batswana, including those in rural areas.”

“The role of government should be to facilitate and ensure that the environment is conducive for business to thrive,”

“That is why we believe the private sector remains the engine of growth. It was not until the private sector started carrying out its own economic activities on this site that the economic potential made by the government on the development of this site could be realized.”

“This why we consider the private sector to be the engine of economic growth and development.”

“I also wish to reiterate government’s long standing belief that the private sector is pivotal for accelerated growth of our economy through both formal and informal sectors.”

“These examples are a blatant disregard of our labor laws and safety best practice.”

“It is my view that the industry is doing nothing or very little to ensure that those who operate within it do so with high degree of professionalism and integrity. They have little or no regard for national interest, with respect to the role expected of the industry in the development of this country.”

“We are presently faced with problems ranging from the collapse of new buildings, poor workmanship and unethical practices in the construction industry. It is up to us as stakeholders to step in and raise the level of quality of service delivery in the construction industry.”

“This is a source of grave concern to me; as such practices greatly compromise our integrity. This perhaps explains why government projects are always competed behind schedule, with massive cost overruns and poor quality.”

“Very few projects are completed within the prescribed time. If they do, then the quality of the end product leaves a lot to be desired.”