02 Feb 2020

Government is committed to ensuring that communities benefit from natural resources and heritage found in their areas, Minister for Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng has said.

Speaking at the launch of Old Matlapana Bridge in Maun on January 31, Ms Kereng said communities should therefore be empowered to ensure optimum benefit from such resources.

She indicated that involvement of locals in environmental and heritage protection was key.

The said Old Matlapana Bridge had a historical significance that could be tapped into to benefit the local community.

She said historical records indicated that the bridge, which is over 80 years, had witnessed historical events as the establishment of Maun from when the Batawana relocated from Tsau to Boro under the auspices of Kgosi Mathiba Moremi and later settled in Maun when the Boro River flooded in the 1920s.

Notwithstanding, the bridge was also in existence during the era of World War II which saw locals participating and during the increase of Batswana migrants, to the neighbouring South African mines through Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (WENELA) Company.

Ms Kereng also noted that the Old Matlapana Bridge was a significant part of trading of goods from Mafikeng which was the then Bechuanaland capital to other parts of the country.

She observed that the current renovation of the bridge was for it to benefit the community as a monument.

Various activities would be offered to attract local and international tourists once the  third phase was complete.

Ms Kereng further appreciated the Kavango -Zambezi Trans frontier Area (KAZA-TFCA) for its support in administering the bridge project together with the German government funding.

Meanwhile, KAZA executive director, Dr Nyambe Nyambe commended government for completing the bridge on time which was funded at about P2.2 million.

Dr Nyambe noted that the project was meant to celebrate cultural heritage since KAZA realised the need to incorporate other tourism aspects apart from wildlife based tourism.

He therefore said KAZA was committed to seeing the next phase of the Old Matlapana bridge project complete.

Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile noted that project was commendable as it would benefit communities as a tourism product.

Mr Kekgonegile, however urged the minister to consider recognising other areas that qualified as monuments in Maun such as the road that used during the British colony era. ENDS