NEW NATIONAL QUALITY POLICY ON THE CARDS

Government has developed a draft National Quality Policy (NQP) to be tabled for debate and approval in the November sitting of parliament. According to Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), the custodian, the policy is to ensure the local economy has adequate and effective quality infrastructures, relevant legislation, and well streamlined quality assurance efforts.

“This will significantly ensure international recognition of products produced in Botswana,” said BOBS Acting Managing Director, Botsile

Kebapetse.

Kebapetse said international recognition boost consumer confidence if supported by quality infrastructure.

He reiterated that the objective of the policy will be to ensure the quality of Botswana goods and services designed to meet customer needs, expectations and requirements, as specified and implied.

In addition, the policy is expected to support SMMEs compliance to standards and technical regulations and improve coordination and collaboration amongst agencies in regulatory and standards development. BOBS says once the policy has been approved, financing of the national quality infrastructure (NQI) and Technical Regulation Framework (TRF) will be shared by government, private sector and development partners. Currently, the existing quality infrastructure includes BOBS laboratories, a few national veterinary laboratories at Botswana Meat Commission, Botswana Vaccine Institute and some technical regulations at local government. With the new policy in place, BOBS anticipates an increased in exports, import bill reduction, employment creation and sustainable development leading to a resilient economy.