Ramogapi backs establishment of ConCourt

Minister of Water and Human Settlements and Member of Parliament for Palapye, Onneetse Ramogapi, has advocated for the establishment of a Constitutional Court as it will ensure Batswana receive quicker and more efficient access to justice.Speaking at a kgotla meeting in Palapye on Monday, Ramogapi said Batswana clearly expressed themselves on the matter through the Dibotelo Commission of Inquiry, where they called for the establishment of a Constitutional Court. He emphasised that the proposal is a direct response to issues raised by the public.Ramogapi said there is no way a law of such significance can be passed without consulting the people of Botswana. He noted that Batswana will have a direct say in the process, stressing that the law cannot be enacted without the approval of the electorate.He explained that Parliament will first require a two-thirds majority to pass the law, and even after that threshold is met, the matter will still be subjected to a public vote.According to Ramogapi, this ensures transparency, inclusivity and respect for democratic processes.Ramogapi added that the Constitutional Court would be beneficial given the current structure of the justice system, which is made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.He noted that findings have shown that the High Court is overwhelmed by a high volume of criminal cases, resulting in delays and a slow pace in the administration of justice.He added that the establishment of a Constitutional Court would help ease the burden on the High Court by reducing the backlog of cases.This, he said, would ensure that the wheels of justice move faster, while also providing citizens with a specialised platform to argue constitutional matters before expert judges.Turning to development issues, Ramogapi told residents that he visited the Palapye Primary Hospital on the first day of the year to engage with health workers and gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges they face.He said there is a strong case for the construction of a new hospital in Palapye, noting that such a facility is long overdue.He also revealed that Palapye is set to benefit from green energy investment, with plans for solar power development at the Morupule farms. The generated power, he said, is expected to supplement supply to the national power plant.Ramogapi explained that government intends to establish an industrial economic zone in Palapye, aimed at boosting investment and creating employment opportunities for residents.He expressed delight at the prospect of Palapye attaining town status, describing it as a milestone he has long advocated for since his days as a Council member.According to Ramogapi, the development marks a significant step forward for the growth and transformation of the area.

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Ramogapi backs establishment of ConCourt