02 Nov 2020

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo says there is a need to fast-track finalising compensation of Disana residents in Maun for relocation.

Mr Segokgo was speaking at a meeting with the Disana ward representatives in Maun on  October 30.

He observed that the issue dated back to around 2004 when the Disana residents, who then stayed at Botshabelo and Sedie wards in Maun had to be relocated to pave way for the expansion of the Maun International Airport.

Mr Segokgo said the Ministry was committed to ensuring that the compensation was paid.

He said about 1 033 people were assessed for compensation while 1 009 had been compensated. 

About 30 were left out because they had not furnished the ministry with the necessary documents. 

However, Minister Segokgo said the ministry was willing to work jointly with the Disana community to address the disparities in the matter since the community had a higher number of people due for compensation and other factors as location factor and interest owed.

The Transport Policy and Planning Director, Mr Orapeleng Mosigi said the challenge in finalising compensation was lack of required documents, in some cases the plot certificate and the number of houses that were in the plot.

Mr Mosigi said the calculations of money owed would help the ministry to determine the exact amount of money to source for the compensation, an exercise he said would be determined if all people due for compensation had the necessary documents.

The Disana Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kehithang Mokgweetsi said the residents were owed about P50 million in compensations.

Mr Mokgweetsi also said the Disana residents were owed 20 per cent since they were paid according to the tribal Act of 2001 and not 2006 Act.

He also said the residents owed qualified for a location factor rate by being in Maun as well as five per cent interest that accumulates annually when owed by the government.

The Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile said although the residents had been owed their dues for over a long period of time, it was only fair to give the ministry a chance to finalise the matter.

He said the numbers of people due for compensation as stated by the community was almost double what the ministry had on record. ENDS