01 Mar 2016

Botswana Ash managing director (MD), Mr Montwedi Mphathi has been advised by the Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele to consult with the board of Botash mine on a proposal by Sowa Town leadership to change the mine land from tribal to state land.

The town leadership led by Self Help Housing Agency (SHHA) committee chairperson Councillor Botho Ntirang had appealed to the minister that though separated by a cordon fence with no distance in between them and the mine, as town they could be serving the mine with services, which the mine currently gets at either Tutume sub-district or at Serowe.

Cllr Ntirang noted that the arrangement is working at their disadvantage whereas the town was established as result of the mine and it is therefore important that the town should benefit either in terms of lease payments and other services, which they could offer to the mine instead of another authority to get the royalties.

He further added that there could be many activities happening within the town and mine but because of the other side being a tribal land and the other being a state, it then leads to many hiccups when an action needs to be taken, which in turn could  help earn the town revenue that can be channeled towards developments they were looking for.

For his part, Mr Mphathi said as a mine, they have plans to be part of the development of the town but however some of the laws, particularly lands policies are making it difficult.

He said just recently, when they proposed to make permanent structures at the mine primary school Flamingo, many questions were raised such as whose land they were intending to build the permanent structure on.

Mr Mphathi said as a result of such issues, it led to delays on projects, which could also help change the face of the town, which currently has nothing to offer to attract investors to come on board.

Furthermore, he pointed out that as a mine, they are eager to play a vital role, noting that since the fuel station opened in the town, they immediately stopped selling fuel to their employees in support of the local business and such an action shows commitment in playing a vital role.

In response, Minister Maele said  government as a partner in Botash does not have a problem in having the land changed from tribal to state land.

He noted that though it will come at cost, he believes it is not much of a difference to what the mine is currently paying under tribal land.

“Harmonising the land use is not something, which takes ages, therefore consult and give feedback then everything will be done as soon as possible,” he said.

In addition, the minister asserted having such changes is going to help the town to get into Public Private Partnership which  government encourages for the developments to be done instead of waiting for government to take the lead. Ends