26 Aug 2018

Consultation is vital in any democratic nation as it links government and communities, says Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.

Speaking during a consultative meeting between her ministry and a delegation of Ghanzi District leadership regarding developments in the CKGR, Dr Venson Moitoi said consultation linked government and the community.

She added that Botswana was known to be amongst the most democratic countries because of consultation between the government and its people.

She thanked the delegation from Ghanzi for visiting her office, saying consultative meetings ensured that complaints and concerns were addressed.

She added that government could not work or take decisions alone.

She noted that consultative meetings helped both government and communities to have clear communication channels and avoid misunderstandings.

She also stated that consultative meetings gave residents a chance  to air their views and input as well as help exchange ideas with the leadership from both sides, saying in that way there would be peace and harmony in the country.

Dr Venson-Moitoi noted that her ministry has continued to provide social services and support to residents in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).

She said it was government’s  aim that all Batswana should reap the benefits of their country, adding that consultation played an important role in ensuring that all enjoyed the countries riches.

She noted that the re-introduction of services was preceded by the formation of a “Central  Kalahari Game Reserve consultative committee” which comprised of representatives from all CKGR settlements, and that they were freely elected by CKGR residents themselves.

She said the settlements were Gugamma, Mothomelo, Gope, Metsimanong and Molapo.

Dr Venson Moitoi also noted that the re-introduction  of services since 2015 included water bowsing, mobile health services, food rations, cash allowances and other supplies for destitutes, orphans and people living with disability, transportation of pupils and students who were attending school outside the game reserve at the end and beginning of school terms.

She also stated that there were  planned development projects for CKGR residents which were permissible within the game reserve.

Among other things, Dr Venson Moitoi said the established joint community trust would have economic activities planned to empower residents, adding that the trust would serve as a foundation for residents to make a living for themselves.

“The trust will generate employment opportunities to improve the livelihoods of residents,” she said, adding that it would encompass tourism for the economic benefit of CKGR residents

For his part, the chairperson of Ghanzi District Council, Mr Galetlhaole Sixpence said services provided to CKGR residents included bowsed potable water monthly, also noting that 55 food rations were distributed at a cost of over P1 000 per food basket.

Mr Sixpence said Omang, birth and registration services, old age pension, disability and destitute allowances which also included cash and allowances for beneficiaries started services in August 2016.

The delegation comprised of  Ghanzi District councillors and the senior management team from the council. ENDS