31 Jan 2017

The Maun Administration Authority deputy commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe, has commended a team of security forces and Lake Ngami Trust members for removing illegal fishing camps and equipment around the lake.

Speaking at community service day, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe pointed out that the clean-up campaign had 35 officers only who were up against illegal fishers.

Some illegal fishers, he said, were also armed with guns, spears and other deadly instruments.

Mr Gaborekwe, however commended the team for the marvelous job of cleaning the environment.

The community service day was organised by the district commissioner office with sister departments in the North West region.

Mr Gaborekwe said the aim was to give moral support to the team by preparing lunch for them as well as to appreciate the seriousness of their task.

He said district commissioner's office would keep rallying behind the team comprising of the Botswana Defence Force, Wildlife Department, the police and Lake Ngami Commununity Trust members.

In his remarks, the North West regional wildlife coordinator Mr Timothy Blackbeard appreciated the support from the local authorities.

Mr Blackbeard said about nine operations had been carried out at Lake Ngami before.

However, he said it was a first that the local authority rallied behind the security forces and the community members team.

In his remarks, the Lake Ngami conservation trust manager, Mr Galefele Maokeng, noted that Lake Ngami had been recognised by government as a body to help the people in its community to survive illegal fishing,

Mr Maokeng said about 60 people who benefitted from various government programmes as poverty eradication were reliant on Lake Ngami.BOPA