12 Feb 2020

There are no concessions available in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), but only Community Wildlife Management Areas that have been allocated to community Based Organisations (CBOs) in the Ghanzi North constituency.

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Phildah Kereng told Parliament that Huiku Community Trust consisting of Grootlagte and Qabo communities had been allocated GH1, while Itangoo Community Trust of New Xade had been allocated GH3.

Ms Kereng indicated that allocation of concessions was the responsibility of land authorities, and they were better placed to provide details on the criteria used to allocate concession areas.

She however noted that for a community trust to be issued with a head lease, it has to be registered and the area should have a management plan.

Minister Kereng said there were two lodges found in the CKGR, being Tau Pan Lodge and Kalahari Plains.

Further, she explained that there was a hunting quota allocated in community hunting areas that  they sell, adding that the community with the assistance of Technical Advisory Committee decide on how the funds raised should be used in implementing the village development plans.

Ms Kereng was responding to a question from MP for Ghanzi North, Mr John Thiite, who wanted to know if there were any concessions available in the CKGR. MP Thiite had also asked if there were any concessions allocated to any communities from the Ghanzi North constituency.

He further sought for explanation on the criteria used to allocate any concession in operation, how many hotels and lodges were found in CKGR and the immediate social and economic benefit available for the Ghanzi North communities living around and within the CKGR wildlife management area. ENDS