16 Jul 2014

Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake has told Parliament that he is not aware of any gardeners of Phase 5 and Phase 6 along Tati River, who have been offered short term leases.

Mr Mokalake was responding to a question from Francistown West MP, Dr Habaudi Hubona.

However, Lands and Housing minister said he was aware of 16 agricultural plots along Tati River, adjacent to Block 1 and 6 along Ntshe at Monarch, leased for a period of 15 years from various dates since 1998 with an option to renew for a further period of 15 years.

The renewable 15 year lease, Mr Mokalake said made the leases registrable at the Deeds Registry and their security for investment could not be doubted.

“In fact one other lessee has requested to purchase the leased land and the request was granted in November 2012,” he added. Dr Hubona had asked Mr Mokalake if he was aware of the current short term leases offered to the Tati River bank gardeners of Phase 5 and Phase 6, which she said made investment for developing their plots insecure.

She also wanted to know if the minister would consider extending the leases up to 10 years periods. ENDS