13 Oct 2016

Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust manager, Mr John Nyamurundira says they are trying  to keep the trust running despite the challenges they face such as  dwindling financial resources.

He said in an interview that currently to keep the trust which is commonly known as OKMCT afloat, they rely much on mokoro activities to generate income noting that on average they make profits ranging between P15 million and P18 million anually .

He said unlike other trusts which had been shaken by transfer of concessions to the then Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism and retrenched staff, OKMCT is exceptional as they managed to retain staff.

He said although they were forced to cut some expenses such as paying staff overtime, salary increment due to financial constraints he appreciated that the staff understood their challenge and agreed that things would be back to normal until the cash flow improves.

Most of the trust operations in the Ngamiland districts were negatively affected by the new arrangement as it resulted in the delay in signing of leases.

“For us to operate effectively, we need the right resources and our key objective is to ensure survival of the trust. We are happy that administratively we are still kicking as we are able to pay staff, bills and fuel even though the profits are not adequate to carry out some community key development projects,” he added.

OKMCT operates in the six villages of Ditshiping, Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara and Xaxaba and it offers tourism products and services in a controlled hunting area known as NG32, an area found in the famous Okavango Delta.

Mr Nyamurundira said while still waiting for the lease fees from Botswana Tourism Organisation to carry out key development projects, the trust is currently assisting in some minor projects such as provision of portable water, maintenance of boreholes and bridges.

He also revealed that the trust also assists the communities to access health services, transport school children to different areas during vacations and when schools open. The trust assists with funds during cultural activities, independence and also in capacity building workshops for the locals who want to venture into mokoro business.

A housing project was on going at Xaxaba and currently facing a challenge of completion. Mr Nyamurundira explained that it is difficult to access the area due to flooding.

The project is 95 per cent complete and the manager said they are unable to deliver the material because they could not afford to use a boat which he said it is expensive.

The three roomed house which  is more like an office was intended to accommodate public servants who bring services to the communities.

However, the trust had to suspended major and new developmental project and one of the projects was sponsorship of students for tertiary education.

Mr Nyamurundira mentioned one of their challenges such as shortage of transport noting that currently they operate with one vehicle to serve six settlements and sub settlements.

He assured the affected areas that once the money is in place, they would inform them so that they do their budgets and developmental projects plan and emphasised the need to prioritise projects. ENDS