02 Nov 2020

Government intends to drill six boreholes at CKGR settlements in order to improve water supply.

This was said by the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila during a series of meetings he addressed alongside the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Eric Molale and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti at  CKGR settlements recently.

He said plans were that two boreholes would be drilled at Gugamma, two at Metsiamanong, one at Molapo and one at Mothomelo and authorities were currently undertaking water surveying.

Mr Mzwinila said the estimated cost for all the boreholes was P16 million while over P55 million would go towards the construction of a water treatment plant, together with water reticulation system.

Upon completion of the project, he said Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) would assume total authority over water services at those settlements.

Minister Mzwinila was hopeful that the boreholes would yield ample water to quench thirst for CKGR inhabitants and boost tourism development in CKGR.

He also assured CKGR settlements dwellers that during the impending ranch allocations in Ghanzi area, they would also benefit as government had taken a deliberate decision to reserve a ranch for them.

Ms Kereng underscored the need to embrace conservation and viewed that tourism presented diversification opportunities, thus urged CKGR communities not to be spectators in tourism, but be actively involved.       

She expressed government commitment to help community trusts, citing that they were determined to capacitate and facilitate Molapo and Mothomelo campsites.

Earlier, Mr Molale reminded residents that although they had the right to stay at CKGR, they were also obliged to respect the park regulations.

He told those who wanted to venture into enterprises not allowed in the park that there was a special arrangement for them and they would be facilitated accordingly.

Minister Molale further urged them to come up with avenues that would help them to graduate from poverty and be self-reliant.

Area MP, Mr Johane Thiite also implored inhabitants to explore tourism opportunities. ENDS