04 Sep 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says upgrading Boteti Sub-district into a fully-fledged district will be based on the reasons advanced following a consultative process. 

Responding to residents’ request for the upgrading of the sub-district, Dr Masisi told residents during a kgotla meeting on September 3 that development was a systematic process which required thorough consultation.

“Bear in mind that we started without a sub-district and ultimately attained such status. We must take into consideration all the necessary steps. Your leadership understands what must be done,” said Dr Masisi.

 The President said judging by requests from different communities, the issue of upgrading sub-districts appeared to be a common one across the country. Boteti is among seven sub-districts under the Central District. 

He said it therefore made sense to treat the issue as a matter of urgency. 

President Masisi appreciated that there were places in Botswana where some residents, especially the less privileged, were finding it difficult to access services.

In such instances, he said, residents advocated for the upgrading of the sub-district to shorten the distance of traveling long distances for services provided at district headquarters.

One resident, Mr Odirile Tawana expressed appreciation for  President Masisi’s road map which he said encouraged full utilisation of ploughing fields. 

Calling for the upgrading of Boteti to district status, he said the move would expedite the development agenda and service delivery. Another resident, Mr Bethel Mohinamune of Mopipi  concurred and in addition expressed appreciation for the President’s visit to the sub-district.

 “We are proud that you are here. You speak to our souls,” said Mr Mohinamune. 

Speaking on behalf of the Letlhakane hospitality and accommodation sector, Mr Keitumetse Tshubang called for the closure of the contractors’ accommodation facility established by Debswana to cater for employees of companies that were engaged during the expansion of Orapa mine, commonly known as Project 2000.

Mr Tshubang said the facility had  a 1 060 capacity offering  reasonable prices and was disadvantaging individually owned facilities in the mining town’s vicinity. 

Responding to some of the issues, Minister of Minerals, Green Technology and Energy, Mr Eric Molale said government, in consultation with Debswana, had decided that the contractors’ camp be privatised.  

He said in the diamond value chain, there were varied processes among them prospecting, mining, diamond sorting and ultimately turning the raw product into usable commodities.

Therefore, he said, while Boteti was focused on mining, polishing and sales were done  in Gaborone.

 “This was done so as to ensure that the mining sector benefited all,” he said. Mr Molale said undertaking business in a given location was based on the availability of pertinent infrastructure and other services. 

He said diamond sorting businesses and any others in the diamond value chain could be set up in places such as Letlhakane.

Mr Molale also updated  residents on the ongoing proposal of relocating the technical college from  Orapa to Letlhakane. 

Commenting on the ongoing Orapa Today Boteti Tomorrow project, Mr Molale said there was need for Debswana to prepare for a future after diamonds.

He said the company had therefore identified the need to venture into potential sectors such as tourism which would help in diversifying and growing the Boteti economy.

The project involved expansion of Orapa Game Park which had resulted in the relocation of some farmers on the periphery of the mine. 

Mr Molale, however acknowledged that some crucial issues were overlooked during the relocation process. 

“Some farmers have moved back into the park, others were not satisfied by the compensation package while others have started experiencing challenges at their new location. We are engaged with all concerned parties to rectify the situation. The consultation are going well and nearing completion,” said Mr Molale. ends