05 May 2020

Ngamiland District commissioner (DC), Mr Keolopile Leipego, has urged residents to be patient and stay at home until extreme social distancing regulation has been lifted.

He stated that the annual inflow of water at the Okavango Delta and Thamalakane River did not pave way for water activities such as fishing, farming and mekoro excursion, among others.

Some reports had indicated that some residents were spotted along the main water channel claiming to welcome the water flow while some were  preparing their boats and fish nets.

Mr Leipego noted that such conduct was unacceptable because people were expected to be staying home. He said only essential workers were allowed to do their work along the water sources.

“Residents should understand that they are contravening the law and they can be punished if caught by law enforcement officers,” he added.

He  said residents should understand the importance of extreme social distancing, which was meant to curb spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Leipego further urged residents to appreciate and support government efforts as preparations were underway to unlock.

He said his office intended to engage the traditional and political leaders to assist in spreading the message that people should remain at their homes since the extreme social distancing had been extended.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the water flow has reached Boro settlement, which is 20 kilometres away from Maun and water expects anticipate that the water would arrive in Maun around mid- May.

Thamalakane River is the main source of income for many residents and some could not hold their breath since they were eager to go out and revive their river dependent businesses. ENDS