01 Dec 2016

 Human-wildlife conflict co-existence on Wednesday dominated parliamentary debate.

Some legislators called the responsible ministry to give the matter the attention it deserved regarding to ways of compensating farmers for the wildlife damages.

During the Chapter 7 sectoral debate of the draft National Development Plan (NDP11) on sustainable environment, legislators complained that the conflict in some constituencies had rendered some farmers hopeless as they no longer see the worth in farming.

They also cited a myriad of problems arising from human-wildlife co-existence such as damages to crops and properties, loss of livestock, loss or injury to people.

MPs also called for inclusion of other animals in the bracket for compensation such as baboons, hyenas and other small predators.

MP for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni said his constituents would no longer contribute to food security because their hard earned harvest was enjoyed by elephants.

Mr Shamukuni also informed Parliament that they were disappointed to learn that government was supporting the idea to enlist elephants from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1 during the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES) conference of parties that was held in Johannesburg, South Arica recently. Enlisting these species from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1 would mean that elephants are afforded the highest level of protection which irks the Chobe residents.

MP for Tati East, Mr  Samson Guma complained that government has a laissez-faire attitude with regards to the consequences of livelihood of people and their food and agricultural security as they were robbed their hard earned harvest by elephants.

Mr Guma said compensating farmers for the wildlife damages was key to mitigating conflict between people and animals. He however criticised government for rendering people in his constituency helpless and frustrated because there was no transparency as government never made an effort to dialogue on the matter.

“These people will one day revolt against us because they are helpless. I am also frustrated because I cannot answer them,” he said.

Meanwhile, MP for Mmathethe-Molapowabojang, Dr Alfred Madigele emphasised the need for synergies for research institutions adding that his ministry would bring more positives in research wings.

Dr Madigele also called for stringent measures on people who do rural dumping of waste on rural roads.

MP for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia and Mr Abram Kesupile of Kanye South called on government to invest and include as tourism attraction areas found in the Southern District such as Lecha la Gasita, Mmakgodumo as a second bird sanctuary and the beautiful scenery of the mountains in the district.

MP for Tonota, Mr Thapelo Olopeng complained of sand mining, saying he was happy for the impending review of the 1977 Mines and Minerals Act as it would also address extraction of sand.

He also called for review of land management issues, citing the rigidity in the policy with regards to integrated farming policy.

MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana called for measures to curb water contamination, noting that some people dumped nappies and other toxins in the dams that fill the Gaborone Dam.

He also advocated for protection of the poor in respect of land arguing that some rich people were taking advantage of the poor by buying their only agricultural land with little money.

Shashe West MP, Mr Fidelis Molao called for enforcement of plastic levy and public education on environmental conservation.

MP for Gaborone Central, Dr Phenyo Butale called for broadening of the scope in tourism sector to attract people into the city, adding that NDP 11 does not have clear strategies and targets on the subject.

“Lack of character for the city with regards to tourism is very common in almost all NDPs,” he said.

He called government to desist from mixed priorities and to tap more resources in the tourism sector as it could create employment opportunities especially for young people.

Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso appealed to the ministry to tighten belt on sand harvesting in the rivers under her constituency.

He called for stringent measures on waste disposal on major highways, which he said were an eyesore to tourists and the public in general.

MP for Molepolole South, Dr Tlamelo Mmatli appealed to government to improve water treatment in his constituency arguing that drinking water has too much lime content.ENDS