04 Dec 2016

Residents of Mababe in Ngamiland have resolved to be allocated plots on state land after decades of vain pleas for land.

The resolution came after the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Prince Maele, gave residents three options to choose from during a recent kgotla meeting.

The options included acquiring plots under state land, tribalisation of their village and relocation.

The residents had long called for recognition of their village so that they could be allocated plots and issued with certificates.

However, the ministry had found it difficult to allocate them plots because the area is a state land; hence they came up with options for them to choose the best one.

Since they had mixed feelings to choose from, the minister gave them time to make a final decision that was suitable for them.

In an interview, the Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Molatlhegi Matsamo said residents settled for a decision to be allocated plots on state land after a lengthy meeting.

He explained that they had already submitted their resolution for consideration to the ministry since September, adding that currently they had received an acknowledgement that relevant officials were looking into their submission.

He said the residents welcomed the decision to be allocated on state land after considering all the advantages and disadvantages of the options.

Mr Matsamo said they realized that their decision was wise as the process to be allocated plots was short and believed that once their proposal was approved they would benefit from government initiatives like any other Motswana.

He appealed to the minister to speed up the process as the issue had dragged for too long.

Meanwhile, Mababe is situated in a concession area NG 41 which is classified as a state land.

A state land is only administered by the department of Lands under the ministry of Lands and Housing. ENDS