05 Sep 2016

The chairperson of Maun Business Botswana Council, Mr James Evans has expressed concern about the on-going trading of fish where locals are reaped off by foreigners.

In an interview, he said it was worrisome as tonnes of fish worth millions were being exported and yet the locals were not benefiting as they sold fish at low prices.

He said the issue was discussed at the Local Consultative Committee meeting .

Mr Evans said the export market of fish has exacerbated illegal fishing at Lake Ngami and wished the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) could come on board. He said BURS could levy tax at border gates.

On other  issues, the chairperson requested the government to review some laws which he said  were very old and not serving the expected purpose. 

He cited land policy noting that currently it was difficult to change a residential plot into a commercial one.

He said the issue frustrated efforts made by business minded people people who wanted to venture into big projects that would eventually create jobs for the locals.

Mr Evans complained about congestion at businesses such as fuel points in the tourism hub, Maun especially during the peak hours and suggested that if the policy allowed them to convert their plot, they could arrest the situation.

He said as the business community, they were willing to undertake big projects and it was unfortunate as the planners always rejected their proposals.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Lake Ngami Fish Marketing Cooperative Society was expected to facilitate marketing of fish products in order to take fish industry to another level.

The cooperative was established last year after fishermen secured a lucrative market in Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Other responsibilities of the cooperative society were to conduct fish marketing for all members for the local and export market and to ensure that fishing business met all the stipulated health requirements. ENDS