31 Jan 2017

Kgosi Merafhe Amos of Khwai has requested for support from his villagers and the Member of Parliament, Mr Kostantinos Markus to rally behind a task team formed to spearhead issues affecting their village related to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism.

The Kgosi’s plea followed mixed feelings and a heated exchange of words expressed by some residents during a Kgotla meeting held on January 23 to clarify the matter to MP Markus and some government officials from Maun.

Kgosi Amos said the task team was recommended during the annual general meeting of Khwai Development Trust.

The Task Team includes other community leaders such as kgosi as chairperson, councillor and other competent community members aimed to seek dialogue with the

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism in Gaborone since officers in Maun ‘failed to provide convincing answers’.

Issues to be addressed by the team include to seek clarification about land bank policy, the ownership of the over P2 million worth yet white elephant Tsaro Lodge and its tendering process as well as clarification on why Machaba Lodge was awarded to an alternative bidder while Khwai Development Trust was promised that it would be awarded it.

It was put on record that some Khwai community members have called the MP and informed him that the task team was not agreed upon by all villagers, therefore MP Markus advised the task team to go back and do proper consultation.

In his remarks, Mr Markus said he was sent by the permanent sectary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism to clarify if the task team was legitimate and consented upon by the people of Khwai.

Mr Markus noted that the Community Based Natural Resources Management through the Community Trusts were a government programme aimed to help members of such communities, therefore they should be used appropriately.

Mr Markus therefore pointed out that those who misused Community Trust funds were liable for a criminal offence punishable by law.

He said he was also concerned about the same issues related to tourism and environment.

In their comments, some residents said the task team was legitimate while some said it was not since the kgosi is the one who selected the members.BOPA