05 Mar 2015

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama did inform Batlokwa that the possibility of erecting a fence between Tlokweng and Gaborone would be explored and not that the fence would be erected.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen said his ministry was aware of a request which Batlokwa made to the President at a kgotla meeting on April 3, 2014.

He said stakeholders including the ministries of agriculture, environment, wildlife and tourism, lands and housing and Batlokwa traditional leadership were consulted.

Mr Westhuizen said during the consultations it was established that the construction of a fence was feasible, but that it would be a short-term solution that would not address the underlying challenge of shortage of land in Tlokweng.

He further said conflicts were bound to arise between farmers and residents of Tlokweng as cattle were likely to roam the village.

“A long-term solution was for the government to consider buying a farm for Batlokwa to which their cattle could be relocated,” he said, adding that it was also established that the carrying capacity of the grazing area was inadequate for the existing cattle population.

He said due to the reasons raised, it was concluded that the fence erection was not a viable option. 

Tlokweng MP, Ms Same Bathobakae had asked if his ministry was aware that the President, in the presence of the then Minister of Education and Skills Development, promised Batlokwa to erect a boundary fence between Tlokweng and Gaborone at a kgotla meeting held at Tlokweng main kgotla.

He wanted the minister to update Parliament on progress made in erecting the fence and whether stakeholders were duly consulted. ENDS