05 Feb 2016

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on February 5, had an opportunity to view and appreciate the P17 million worth of equipment donated by the Chinese government to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)

The donation, which is expected to be used in government’s anti-poaching techniques, comprised of; 10 diesel water pumps, 700 sleeping bags, 800 back packs, 19 gasoline generator sets, 400 one man tents, 400 two men tents, 30 solar power sets and 12 laser printers.

Other items are; 30 desk top computers, 10 projectors, 50 laptops, 15 tablet PCs, 200 canteens, 300 flashlights, 150 binoculars, 100 handheld GPS, 700 protective clothing, 7000 raincoats and 7000 jackets.

Additionally, President Khama also got to see the four Jabiru J430 aircrafts that DWNP procured in November 2015 at a cost of R700 000 each. The aircrafts were also expected to increase efforts in the fight against poaching in national parks.

Speaking in an interview, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama said Botswana was committed to preserving natural resources and wildlife species, adding that areas such as; Kasane, Chobe and Kgalagadi were prone to poaching.

However, he said due to challenges such as poaching, government was burdened with huge costs of conserving natural resources and wildlife, which he said made it difficult for conservation to be wholly-funded and sustained by government alone.

Therefore, he expressed gratitude that the Chinese donation would help to motivate the DWNP staff employed under the anti-poaching unit to perform their duties well; as they would now be well resourced. 

The minister said, through the collective efforts of DWNP, Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Services, Botswana Prisons and Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, poaching in Botswana was low and not as bad as in other countries.

Government’s anti-poaching efforts, he said, were under threat, but warned that as much as poachers were always armed, “they should know that our anti-poaching officers are also armed.”

For his part, DWNP director, Major General Otisitswe Tiroyamodimo, expressed gratitude that the donation would contribute to his department’s efforts of curbing poaching in the country.

DWNP is tasked with the responsibility of conserving and managing the county's fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in consultation with local, regional and international stakeholders. ENDS