07 Aug 2013

Parliament has been told that the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was not involved in the construction of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary except for the construction of observation towers for its own use.

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama said the cost of constructing four new towers and the refurbishment of 12 old ones was P105 000. Mr Khama said BDF was not involved in the day to day running of Khama Rhino Sanctuary, but was involved in the running of the anti-poaching operations of the sanctuary, as in all other protected areas in Botswana.

The costs for anti-poaching, he said, were covered by BDF. The minister was responding to a question from the MP for Kgatleng West, Mr Gilbert Mangole who had asked how BDF was involved in the construction of Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the monetary value of such involvement.

MP Mangole also wanted to know how BDF was involved in the day to day running and maintenance of the sanctuary and to state the source of funding for the construction and maintenance of the sanctuary. ENDS