31 Aug 2020

Malatswae residents are in discussions with Debswana Diamond Company on the modalities of how to move forward with a community ranch they acquired through the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP).

Malatswae Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kebeemang Dikapolelo told BOPA that they received communication from Debswana, through Serowe Administrative Authority (SAA) indicating their intent to fund the ranch.

He said assistance from Debswana was greatly appreciated, especially now that government was spending a lot of money to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Dikapolelo remained hopeful that all would go well with Debswana.

The ranch is fenced and has a borehole.

However, Mr Dikapolelo noted that it was ‘not there yet’.

He said the 6x6km farm was to be divided into paddocks to allow for a variety of activities such as livestock rearing, poultry and crop production.

Mr Dikapolelo said the project would be managed by a syndicate owned by residents who had shown commitment to the project.

He was optimistic that the farm would boost the economic status of the village and create employment opportunities for the community.

SAA public relations officer, Mr Onkabetse Ntwe explained in an interview that Debswana agreed to fund the project with an undisclosed amount of money and onus was on the community to decide on the activities.

He said primary works had commenced and the council was planning to build houses and toilets at the site. ENDS