12 Jun 2017

Poor infrastructure in protected areas is a major challenge to Botswana Guides Association’s (BOGA) mission to grow tourism.

BOGA chairperson, Mr Kenson Kgage expressed frustration that despite their efforts to make recommendations on grading and maintenance of roads, nothing had been done.

He informed members that the challenges had been discussed with relevant authorities, but that there had not been any progress.

The challenges, he said, included land shortage tender procedures for tourism sites, barriers to land allocation and zooning, which he said hindered tourism expansion.

Mr Kgage noted that there was need to allocate land to Batswana so that they venture into tourism projects.

The chairperson also decried the non-attendance of the organisation’s annual general meetings by senior government officials despite efforts to invite them on time.

He wished government could appreciate the association’s efforts of empowering locals to venture into tourism activities.

“This is not a political organisation, but it is an association like other associations which aims to represent their members and speak with one voice. We also aim to advise government if he loses direction,” he said.

He, however, noted that the association had achieved a lot since its existence such as the establishment of new campsites at Moremi Game Reserve, new temporary campsites at Chobe National Park, construction of a BOGA camp site in Maun, purchase of a new vehicle to drive the association’s daily duties and construction of a conference room.

The association also intends to establish a baskets and craft market for weavers within the BOGA premises, and a cultural corner where locals would be able to display their artifacts.

Mr Kgage revealed that all the initiatives were aimed at empowering locals so that they could benefit from their natural resources.

The association has also donated equipment to some schools in Maun.

In 2015, the association donated P20 000 to Moeti Junior Secondary School and last year it donated P27 000, while this year, the management bought a photocopying machine and school uniforms for some schools.

“We want to relief government the burden hence we extend a helping hand and on the other side we want the government to appreciate our efforts,” said Mr Kgage. ENDS