03 Jun 2013

Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT), Mr Tshekedi Khama has advised Tsodilo residents to take care of the craft centre and the community campsite.

Speaking at handover of the P10 million centre and campsite, which were funded by the Diamond Trust, Minister Khama said by so doing, residents would make Tsodilo arts easily accessible to tourists and consequently create opportunities for them.

 He said future developments in the tourism zone included two community campsites, mid-market and up market lodge. “These will further contribute to the local and national economy as well as create job opportunities,” he said.

He commended the Diamond Trust for their contribution, saying that showed they realised the importance of synergies and partnerships between government, communities and the private sector in rural development and conservation.

Again, he said, the Tsodilo community project came as a result of the need to involve communities in the management and utilisation of World Heritage Sites for the improvement of their livelihoods.

He said Tsodilo Hills had been a national monument since 1927 and as a world heritage site, the monument had been listed as a cultural property since 2001. Tsodilo Community Development Trust was formed in 1997 to manage and oversee heritage resources in the area as well as to facilitate community empowerment along different livelihoods streams. 

In order to assist in planning for the sustainability of the project, the minister said the Botswana Museum and the Tsodilo Management Authority facilitated a stakeholder consultation workshop.

Okavango Sub-council chairperson, Councillor Samson Mauano thanked the minister for his presence. “Your presence is to bear witness what the Diamond Trust has done for our community and we are really thankful of this wonderful job,” Cllr Mauano said.

Cllr Mauano also commended all stakeholders who were involved in the project. Thus, he urged the Okavango community, especially Tsodilo to value such a gift and also warned them against tribalism. ENDS