30 Aug 2017

Assistant Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Itumeleng Moipisi says there are 1 138 residents awaiting plot allocation in Phitshane Molopo.

Mr Moipisi said this at a kgotla meeting in Phitshane Molopo on August 29.

He indicated that the delay for allocation is due to unserviced land, which has been identified for allocation of such plots.

He said the ministry was making efforts to acquire funds to service the land.

Mr Moipisi also indicated that some allocation such as fields were ongoing and that only residential plots were on hold in Phitshane Molopo due to land service delay.

Ass Min Moipisi also encouraged residents of Phitsane Molopo to register their plots, adding that the Deeds Registration Amendment Bill required all allocated plots to be registered.

He indicated that out of the expected over 800 000 plots to be registered, his ministry only had 701 552 plots registered.

Still on the Deeds Registration Amendment Bill, Mr Moipisi said all plots registered would be provided with a title deed rather than a customary land grant certificate, adding that the title deed was secured and protected.

Further, Mr Moipisi indicated that the Deeds Registration Amendment Bill considered the other party in marriage in an event of selling the plot.

He explained that an affidavit shall be provided from both parties if and when they want to sell the plots.

He noted that this came about after many cases of couples’ land disputes, especially when it comes to selling the plots.

He also briefed residents on the Tribal Land Amendment Bill of 2017, saying the bill restricted land boards to allocate plots to foreigners unless with the permission of the minister.

He said the minister could only grant permission to land boards to allocate land to a foreigner with valid reasons.

He also said the bill gives preference to Batswana in an event that a Motswana decides to sell their land.

He said when a Motswana decides to sell, they should first advertise through various media for all Batswana to get an opportunity to buy and that they can sell to foreigner if no Motswana has shown interest.

On other issues, Ass Min Moipisi said government was equally concerned about the shortage of water not only in Phitshane Molopo, but in some many areas in the country.

He said efforts were made to negotiate with World Bank to solicit funds to see through the challenge of water shortage in the country.

He also said at the moment government would look into connecting water pipes from Good Hope to Phitshane Molopo, and also map a layout for water connectivity. ENDS