18 Jun 2014

Shortage of land continues to worry residents of Kgalagadi District who are disadvantaged by staying in a desert.

Kgalagadi land board chairperson Mr Jenkins Hiri attributed the scarcity of land to the rapid growth of population in the area.
 He said in 1966, Botswana’s population was around 500 000 while 2011 census indicated that population had risen to 2.2 million whilst the land was still 5 086 thousand square kilometre. 


He said in Kgalagadi region, national parks and wildlife held 56 per cent of the land, while only 37 per cent of land belongs to communal areas.

Hukuntsi sub-land board, secretary Mr Kress Matlhaku decried the high number of undeveloped and abandoned plots, saying some citizens applied for plots and ignored the development covenant allocated for the plots.


“Undeveloped and abandoned plots lead to double allocation leading to disputes and fraud as they are sold to unsuspecting public, such plots are repossessed after exceeding the covenant period,” Mr Matlhaku said.


He pleaded with the community to develop their plots within the stipulated time and further explained that plots allocated for commercial, industrial and small holdings were given a period of one year while ranches and plough field were expected to be developed in three years.


He stated that residential and water points on the other hand were given a five years period to be developed.
 Meanwhile land adjudication officer, Mr Pontsho Gontlafetse advised that in order for citizens to avoid repossession of plots, Batswana should make use of government initiatives like backyard gardening and Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development(LIMID).


Mr Gontlafetse noted that subletting of plots, renting and partnership with retail stores could also assist in earning some money for plot owners to be able to develop their plots.


He urged the community to fully utilise the landboard revenue offices in Hukuntsi and Tsabong to pay for charges of services rendered by land board, adding that the collected revenue is used to cover expenses like payment of utilities such as electricity, telephones and water. ENDS