07 May 2020

Mmakgodumo dam is a popular site in Kanye, and the Eucalyptus trees around the area have made it an attractive spot for picnics and photo shoots, among others.

Some Kanye residents have expressed concern that the ongoing tree cutting in the area is likely to have a negative impact on the landscape and thwart the aspirations of making the area a popular tourist site. They further alleged that the gum poles made from the trees were being sold at exorbitant prices.

In an interview, Bathoen II Trust secretary Ms Malebogo Modise said as custodians of the area, they had the interest of the community at heart and were committed to adding value to key sites under their care to benefit the community.

She said they engaged a Gaborone-based company, Staywell, to reduce the Eucalyptus population after receiving expert advice on the effects of overpopulation of the gigantic species.

She noted that the increased population of trees affected the size of the dam and its capacity, thereby compromising other activities such as fishing. She also noted that they had plans to expand the dam and therefore had to get rid of part of the forest.

“We took advise from experts from Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and Department of Forestry, and so we issued an expression of interest to cut some trees in 2018.Only one company responded to our advert and therefore we engaged them,” she said.

She explained that the five-month contract commenced last year but they paused it along the way pending full payment by the contractor. However, she said the project resumed recently after the contractor fulfilled the agreement and paid the P110 000 amount.

Ms Modise noted that the tender was about tree cutting and therefore what happens with the gum poles harvested was beyond them. Additionally, she noted that Bathoen II Trust was open to the public for suggestions and that information concerning community projects was readily available.

For his part, Wildlife officer and also Technical Advisory Committee secretary at Kanye Administration Authority, Mr Diane Marapo said the committee made recommendations due to the concern that the area was over-populated.

“The exercise is basically a control measure because Eucalyptus trees use up a lot of water and therefore Mmakgodumo dam could not sustain water for a long time,” he said.

He said they advised that the trees be reduced to increase the dam’s carrying capacity so that it could continue serving its purpose as a tourist site. He further noted that in the process Bathoen II Trust also generated income that could be channeled towards other things. ends