10 Sep 2015

The Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele has urged Okavango residents to jealously guard their land and its natural resources.

Addressing kgotla meetings at Seronga and Shakawe Rrecently Mr Maele noted that the Okavango region was a tourism attraction, and that it was important for the community to guard its rich natural resources, which included the two World Heritage Sites, the Tsodilo Hills and Okavango Delta.

The minister expressed concern that some residents continue to sell their residential and commercial plots as well as their fields, only to re-apply for new plots. That, he said, led to long queues and delays at land boards.

Minister Maele urged residents to instead lease their plots or land, including to foreigners for certain periods to benefit financially. He also urged them to cooperate with the government on land issues so that their grandchildren would benefit.

Furthermore, Mr Maele briefed residents about some impending changes within land boards which include monthly board meetings effective next month. That, he explained, would address delays in giving the public timely feedback on their concerns.

Mr Maele said he had also instructed all land boards to ensure that waiting lists for plot applications were publicised for transparency and openness in all offices.   Meanwhile, some residents promised the minister that they would stop selling their plots.

However, some accused leaders, including ministers, for failing to be exemplary on land issues arguing that it led to the public selling their plots. ENDS