27 Mar 2014

The North West District Council has identified new ways of generating its own income to supplement grants from government.

This came after the government directed local authorities to find ways of generating their own income. The council then resolved to set up an income-generating committee to fast-track the drawing of the guidelines for generating its own revenue.

Cllr Pelokgale Monyame, chairperson of the income-generating committee, said possible sources of money included cemetery fees, sale and hiring of shrubs and trees, gravel and firewood collection in concessions.

He said the council could apply for area NG 17 as a concession and use it to generate income. Tourism would be the money-spinner for the council. “Thus the council is desirous of owning a concession in the Okavango Delta which will be managed by a company to be formed,” he added.

Cllr Monyame said the envisaged company could go into a joint venture with an experienced operator to manage the concession. Furthermore, the council wanted to find ways of enabling citizens to benefit from concession areas through employment, ownership of lodges and other ways.

A survey of Maun and its hinterland was carried out to identify possible sites that can be used to generate income. Preferred sites are along the river banks and they are Samedupi Bridge, Chanoga, Shashe, Big Tree, Dikgathong, the area behind Crocodile Farm and the space between DRC and Boro.

These sites, he said, could be used for picnics, camp sites or recreational parks. Three of these sites, that is, Samedupi Bridge, Shashe and Big Tree are inside the Maun planning area.

Another suggestion by the income-generating committee is to look for an open space in Maun and make it a rest place for bus and truck operators. The place should provide decent accommodation. An abattoir would be another income-generator for the council. Ends