13 Aug 2020

Following a pronouncement by  government that communities should benefit more from resources within their environs, some community trusts are already making headway in that respect.

One such community trust is the Okavango Community Trust (OCT), which is currently working on two massive projects namely construction of a lodge in their concession NG22 and a hotel in Seronga.

OCT is made up of five villages being, Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa in the Okavango Sub-district.

The trust exits to take part in social services in order to uplift its members’ livelihoods through income generating projects and conserve the environment through various scientific and traditional methodologies to assure sustainability of the projects.

Also, the trust assists develop and market Okavango Community Trusts products, which include wildlife management, handicrafts, game products, timber and natural resources.

In an interview, OCT chairperson, Mr Molatlhegi Moyei confirmed that plans were underway to carry out the two projects.

He said since the pronouncement by government to ensure inclusivity within the tourism sector, OCT had found it fit to exploit available opportunities, which could handsomely derive maximum benefits for the community.

“We did not want to be spectators in our land anymore as it was the case before.  

We had thus resolved to take advantage of government’s position and invest in the tourism sector,” he added.

Mr Moyei revealed that the decision to undertake the projects was made during the trust annual general meeting with the communities affiliated to the trust.

The said communities, he stated, believed the projects would not only assist generate income but would go a long way in creating the much needed employment for the locals. 

He said efforts were at an advanced stage to construct a four-star hotel along Okavango River in Seronga. 

The facility, he said would comprise 22 beds, conference room, kitchen, staff houses among others.

He said management plan for the project had been approved and that the trust was only awaiting finalisation of some logistics and construction would commence in January.

He said the project could have started this year but it had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Moyei also pointed out that efforts were ongoing for the construction of a high standard lodge at NG22 where an investor had given OCT the green light to undertake the project.

Since NG22 management plan could only accommodate 52 beds and the investor had 48 bed capacity lodge, Mr Moyei said OCT had written to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism for further assistance. ends