28 Aug 2014

Maun Administrative Authority councillors have called for an amicable solution towards addressing concerns raised about fishermen at Lake Ngami in Sehithwa.


They said fishing has uplifted many people’s lives in the Ngamiland region, and therefore, stringent measures would result in loss of a source of income for those involved in the lucrative fishing business.


Thamalakane North councillor, Mr Tebogo Bethia said the North West District Council should assist the fishermen with ablutions and water since fishing has helped to address issues such as unemployment in the area. 
Makalamabedi/Somelo councillor, Mr Moetetsi Mogalakwe said fishing had improved the lives of people as they now had an income.


Briefing the full council meeting recently, the Wildlife and National Parks, North West regional officer, Mr Othomile Molotlhanyi said issues of littering and illegal fishermen were worrisome at Lake Ngami. 


Mr Molotlhanyi said fishermen were causing environmental concerns of sanitation due to lack of ablutions at their squatter camps.


He said there was an influx of illegal fishermen and squatter camps, with the locals harboring foreigners who are not eligible for fishing. He said as of now, the fishermen have extended and increased their camps from eight to eleven.


Consequently, he said the fishing arrangement was complicated, explaining that although only one person was awarded a license, they ended up engaging many people.
He, however, remained optimistic that the Lake Ngami Trust would help address some of the problematic issues.


The current legislation, he said, did not limit the quantity of fish that one can catch at the lake and said this will be addressed by the management plan of the trust.

He said it is hoped that from next season, the trust would start managing fishing at Lake Ngami after the current fishing season comes to an end in December.
Mr Molotlhanyi also said the management plan addressed issues of fishing zones. BOPA