02 Nov 2016

Shoshong constituency residents have been urged to register all their plots by the end of the year to ensure thorough and proper land management.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at Shoshong Land Board recently, deputy secretary of Shoshong Land Board Mr Morapedi Ntwayagae said it was important for Shoshong residents to register all the plots they own under Land Administration Procedures and Capacity Systems (LAPCAS) programme.

Mr Ntwayagae explained to the stakeholders that the main aim of the LAPCAS programme was for the government to know who owns what kind of plot, for what purpose and where.

“Our ministry has stepped up to map out, survey and register all plots in the country for the improvement of proper land management and service delivery,” said Mr Ntwayagae.

“We kindly ask for all stakeholders’ input for the smooth conclusion of the process as its fruits are to be enjoyed by all in the community,” he said.

He added that as time goes on, there would be allocation of plot numbers and Botswana Post would assemble a post box at the entrance of every home.

He said so far, they had surveyed 5 374 plots in Shoshong, but only registered 3 151 plots. He also said after surveying and registering plots, they would issue new certificates with intense security features.

Mr Ntwayagae explained that land board has encountered problems too, as some people,in their quest to register plots could not manage because the plots were allocated long time ago by dikgosi but had no certificates.

Shoshong Land Board secretary, Ms Ipeleng Kwerepe said it was very important to register their plots as it serves as a useful function also to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Ms Kwerepe said IEC together with land board would properly identify people residing in a certain plot, citing that they have had cases where people from as far as Gaborone had claimed to be residents of a certain plot in order to cast their votes illegally in Shoshong.

She also disputed some claims by members of the community that the land board would repossess their plots should they find out that someone owns more than two plots.

She added that the LAPCAS programme would not disfavour anyone with many plots but only to improve land management.

Kgosi Felix Kgamane of Shoshong acknowledged government’s efforts to improve land management and service delivery. He also advised the land board to engage the Central District Council and consider naming roads and allocation of plot numbers for easier identification of plots and directions in the village.

Kgosi Kgamane also advised the land board to consider discontinue using of old certificates as that could force residents to register their plots.

He furtehr urged those fighting over inheritance to consider consulting with the village leadership and the board to settle disputes.

Ms Gobopaone Ketlogetswe, land board memeber raised a concern over the failure by Shoshong businesspeople to pay their lease agreement fees, which hadaccumulated to P5 million in arrears. She advised residents to always collect and sign their lease agreements because once the land board has approved them, the agreements begin to officially accumulate fees. ENDS