08 Aug 2019

Government has reversed the decision to install Makgadikgadi game proof electric fence on tribal territory.

The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism Mr Kitso Mokaila told Khumaga and Moremaoto residents August 6 that government had decided to relocate the fence on the side of Makgadikgadi National Park as preferred by the community.

The decision follows a benchmarking exercise  on the erection of game proof fences in Kanye.

The Makgadikgadi game proof fence issue had stalled over  several years with the community resisting government plans to put up the fence from Moreomaoto to Sookwane.

Government had initially decided to install the 106 kilometers game proof electric fence on the side of the village for  fear that if it was erected on the side of the park, animals would break it to gain access in to the river.

It was therefore decided that the fence be erected on the side of the village to address human/wildlife conflict but  that met resistance from community members complaining that such a move would deny them access to the river.

Mr Mokaila stated that the decision taken was a clear indication that government upheld consultation and considered  people’s concerns.

He stated that trusts in the concerned villages would be given an opportunity to erect the fence and maintain it with payment from government.  

On other issues, Minister Mokaila said government was reviewing compensation for wildlife damages and funeral benefits for victims of wild animals.

He informed them of plans to relocate wild animals from the tribal territory into the park to avoid compensation issues and conflicts with the community.

In addition, Mr Mokaila stated that hunting licences would soon be issued.

Noting that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks did not have enough resources to address wildlife cases, Mr Mokaila said members of trusts and staff would be engaged to augment the department’s staff.

He said the ministry was in negotiations to establish ways that could be employed to hand over Makgadikgadi campsite to the community.

Village Development Committee chairperson Mr Ookeditse Motsamai had complained that wildlife officers took too long to collect reports for damages done by wild animals expressing concern that exhibits were destroyed in the process.

Mr Motsamai also requested to be updated with regards to the elapse of S.K.L company lease which operated the campsite owned by the national park, stating they had since been promised campsites in the park.

Commenting, Mr Gaboiphiwe Ntowane expressed gratitude towards government, saying the decision taken would uplift their livelihoods and uphold the locals’ economic status. ENDS