16 Aug 2016

Mababe residents have been given time to make a final decision on whether they want to be allocated plots under state land, tribalisation of their village or relocation.

This comes after residents expressed mixed feelings during a kgotla meeting addressed by Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele who gave them three options.

The three options included to allocate plots to residents under state land; change the area to tribal land and relocation. Residents had long called for recognition of the village so that they could be allocated plots and issued with certificates. 

Mababe is situated in a concession area NG 41 which is classified as a state land. A state land is only administrated by department of Lands under Ministry of Lands and Housing

However, the third option of relocation did not go well with residents and most called for tribalisation, while some opted for land allocation under state land.

Those who wanted tribalisation believed that the move will improve land management and localise provision of services to the community. Those who want state land believed that since the process is short, they will be able to benefit soon from government initiatives in place. They complained that they have long suffered to earn a living despite good initiatives in placed aimed towards uplifting the livelihoods of Batswana.

Earlier on, Minister Maele explained to residents that his ministry finds it difficult to allocate them plots because the area is a state land; hence they came up with options for them to choose the best one.

He explained that government appreciates the importance of land hence they want the concerned residents to come up with a decision that is suitable for them.

The minister stated that since the residents have options on the table, he will give them some time to make a final decision and submit to the ministry for consideration, addingtheir intention is to make a permanent solution to the issue which has been burning for a long time. ENDS