Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has emphasized that the upcoming budget for 2025/2026 will prioritise prudence in spending. Addressing the Local Authorities Budget Pitso, the VP said the imminent budget demands rethinking priorities, re-imagining possibilities, and rebuilding with purpose.
“It is about ensuring that every Pula is spent wisely, creating real value, and addressing the most pressing issues of our time—poverty, unemployment, inequality, and climate change amidst heightened fiscal pressures,” said Gaolathe.
He emphasized that the current economic landscape, both globally and locally, demands adoption of innovative, disciplined, and forward-looking approaches to managing finances.
The call comes on the backdrop of government’s intentions to build an inclusive economy, improving the quality of life, modernising and transforming infrastructure, and promoting innovation and digital transformation.
According to the government, the priorities will ensure that resources are directed toward the areas that will yield the greatest impact and benefit to society as well as accelerate the development agenda of the new Botswana.
Gaolathe said the local governments need to focus on core services and prioritize spending that directly benefits the community, proactively maintain infrastructure to avoid costly repairs and replacements and adopt other cost-containment measures that eliminate wasteful spending and inefficiencies.
“Let us remember that financial prudence and discipline are not merely an administrative responsibility; it is also a moral obligation,” said Gaolathe.
Citing local authorities as a critical delivery arm of the government, Gaolathe implored them to embrace highest standards of accountability and commitment to ensuring the production of accounts on time.
“Failure to do this points to corporate governance failure and compromises public resource accountability. This, in turn, may also provide a fertile ground for maladministration and corruption,” said
Gaolathe.
Gaolathe also urged local authorities to play a pivotal role in generating revenue that directly funds essential services and infrastructure targeted at improving the quality of life.
“It is imperative that you maximize your revenue streams, diversify sources of income, and contain costs to achieve financial sustainability and deliver quality services to the communities you serve.” He said District Councils in areas with extensive built-up infrastructure should explore implementation of property rates.
“By conducting accurate property valuations and establishing efficient collection mechanisms, we can unlock substantial potential for local revenue generation.”
He further encourages local governments to embrace innovative approaches to improving livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of communities.
“This includes investing in modern infrastructure, which remains the backbone of local economic development; enhancing the efficient delivery of critical services such as public healthcare, social welfare, education, and waste management; fostering economic growth by supporting initiatives that promote job creation, entrepreneurship, and local economic activity, to build self-sustaining communities; and upholding fiscal prudence by managing budgets responsibly, ensuring that every Pula is accounted for and directed towards projects that deliver meaningful value to our people.”
Meanwhile, the VP also implored local government authorities to shun corruption and take a firm stand against any form of misconduct.
“Be transparent and keep your communities informed on how funds are being used.”
He bemoaned that corruption diverts resources meant for development, erodes public trust, and undermines the foundations of democracy.
“As leaders, it is essential that we uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
However, the VP has indicated that fiscal year ahead will be challenging but filled with immense opportunities.
“Let us rise to the challenge together and seize the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
“It is about ensuring that every Pula is spent wisely, creating real value, and addressing the most pressing issues of our time—poverty, unemployment, inequality, and climate change amidst heightened fiscal pressures,” said Gaolathe.
He emphasized that the current economic landscape, both globally and locally, demands adoption of innovative, disciplined, and forward-looking approaches to managing finances.
The call comes on the backdrop of government’s intentions to build an inclusive economy, improving the quality of life, modernising and transforming infrastructure, and promoting innovation and digital transformation.
According to the government, the priorities will ensure that resources are directed toward the areas that will yield the greatest impact and benefit to society as well as accelerate the development agenda of the new Botswana.
Gaolathe said the local governments need to focus on core services and prioritize spending that directly benefits the community, proactively maintain infrastructure to avoid costly repairs and replacements and adopt other cost-containment measures that eliminate wasteful spending and inefficiencies.
“Let us remember that financial prudence and discipline are not merely an administrative responsibility; it is also a moral obligation,” said Gaolathe.
Citing local authorities as a critical delivery arm of the government, Gaolathe implored them to embrace highest standards of accountability and commitment to ensuring the production of accounts on time.
“Failure to do this points to corporate governance failure and compromises public resource accountability. This, in turn, may also provide a fertile ground for maladministration and corruption,” said
Gaolathe.
Gaolathe also urged local authorities to play a pivotal role in generating revenue that directly funds essential services and infrastructure targeted at improving the quality of life.
“It is imperative that you maximize your revenue streams, diversify sources of income, and contain costs to achieve financial sustainability and deliver quality services to the communities you serve.” He said District Councils in areas with extensive built-up infrastructure should explore implementation of property rates.
“By conducting accurate property valuations and establishing efficient collection mechanisms, we can unlock substantial potential for local revenue generation.”
He further encourages local governments to embrace innovative approaches to improving livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of communities.
“This includes investing in modern infrastructure, which remains the backbone of local economic development; enhancing the efficient delivery of critical services such as public healthcare, social welfare, education, and waste management; fostering economic growth by supporting initiatives that promote job creation, entrepreneurship, and local economic activity, to build self-sustaining communities; and upholding fiscal prudence by managing budgets responsibly, ensuring that every Pula is accounted for and directed towards projects that deliver meaningful value to our people.”
Meanwhile, the VP also implored local government authorities to shun corruption and take a firm stand against any form of misconduct.
“Be transparent and keep your communities informed on how funds are being used.”
He bemoaned that corruption diverts resources meant for development, erodes public trust, and undermines the foundations of democracy.
“As leaders, it is essential that we uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
However, the VP has indicated that fiscal year ahead will be challenging but filled with immense opportunities.
“Let us rise to the challenge together and seize the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
