25 Jul 2017

Some Ngamiland councillors have resolved to request a waiver from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for Ditshiping settlement to be recognised and gazetted. 

Ditshiping is situated in a wildlife management area and is about 35 kilometres from Shorobe.

Councillors argued that despite the settlement being in a wildlife management area, government has constructed infrastructures such as a cooperative, a clinic and staff houses.

They made the plea when commenting on a report on the assessment of settlements for possible gazettement. 

The report said the settlement could not be gazetted since it did not meet the minimum requirements, and that it was located within a wildlife management area.

Another reason stated was that the settlement population was less than 500.

For a settlement to be recognised, there are factors that are considered such as population size, economic potential and availability of natural resources, especially water to sustain the growth of the settlement.

Settlements with a population of less than 500 people without basic services are serviced on a mobile basis where feasible.

Councillors argued that other surrounding settlements could be incorporated into Ditshiping so that the population could increase and meet the requirement. 

They said communities residing in settlements in the delta had been denied access to services, and said they hoped if the waiver could be granted, the affected communities could be served in a cost effective manner.

Cllr Kaukapita Kaukapita said the settlement had been in existence for a long time and growing fast. 

Although, he appreciated that the population was not budgeted for, he asked for a waiver for the settlement to be gazetted.

Councillors also requested that Xana settlement be incorporated in Chanoga, while Gxwegxwa be incorporated into Komana respectively.  

They pointed out that the two settlements could be treated as wards as their distances from the main village was less than 5km. 

They also noted that the two settlements were along the main road, and that some services such as electricity and water pipes passed through them.

Meanwhile, the report stated that Gxwegxwa should be retained as an agricultural area for the continuance and support of government’s agricultural activities, while Xana was recommended not to be recognised as a village.

The report said Xana should be allowed to grow and develop naturally, and that its inhabitants should still be provided with basic social services.

Although the settlement has been provided with a mobile clinic stop on monthly basis, it has a village hall, headman of arbitration and radio transmission coverage. With regard to Gxwegxwa, the report said there were no infrastructure facilities in the area as residents acquired services from Komana and Maun.  

It also stated that primary land uses within the area were for agriculture purposes, and that the inhabitants practiced both dry land and arable farming in addition to the more dominant pastoral farming in the area.

It was also revealed that there was a mushrooming of residential houses in the area with traditional huts dominant. ENDS