04 Nov 2020

North West District Council chairperson, Mr Kebareeditse Ntsogotlho has dismissed reports that the council is denying Matlapana Community Trust a chance to operate Matlapana water point commonly known as the ‘beach’.

The council, he said, was in support of the community trust to operate the ‘beach’ and generate income for the benefit of the community. He refuted allegations that there was an intention to dissolve Matlapana Trust and form one umbrella trust.

Mr Ntsogotlho was responding to some comments raised by Matlapana area councillor, Mr Kobamelo Baikgodisi during a meeting where he expressed concern over allegations that the council had shown interest to operate the beach.

He said there were also allegations that the council planned to dissolve Matlapana trust. Currently, he said there were no activities taking place at the ‘beach’ as the district leadership had engaged law enforcement officers to patrol the area.

The reason advanced, he said was that the trust could not operate the ‘beach’ because of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Baikgodisi decried that the trust had been in existence for six years, but it had done nothing on the ground, adding that they were eyeing to benefit from the ‘beach’ and utilisation of Old Matlapana Bridge for eco-tourism activities, but their efforts were in vain.

The trust was handed the bridge early this year after refurbishment by the Department of National Museum and Monuments to use for eco-tourism activities. The bridge was expected to be used by the local community for recreational, wedding photography, selling of art and crafts and other related activities.

However, Mr Ntsogotlho explained that the activities at the ‘beach’ were suspended because the leadership was concerned about increasing movement of people at the area as it might violate health protocols, thus undermining government efforts to fight COVID -19.

The area, he said was not yet designated for public gatherings due to coronavirus.

However, he explained that currently the leadership was discussing the issue and trying to come up with permanent strategies which would promote controllable and moderated recreational activities at the area.

He also noted that there was another issue of ownership of the beach between the trust and VDC, but an agreement was reached that the trust should operate the area so that it assists VDC with funding to implement other development projects.

“We cannot deny the trust the opportunity to operate the area because we want the community to benefit from utilising their natural resources,” he added.

Earlier, the trust chairperson, Mr Baphutholodi Kgari reiterated that negotiation between the council and the trust were ongoing with regard to the beach project. He was hopeful that the issue would be finalised so that they could kick start their project.

The trust treasury, Ms Tshiamo Kesekile told the meeting that Conservation Trust Fund had approved their proposal and they were expecting financial assistance of P1 million to undertake a botanical garden project.

The project, she said, would comprise a conference room, ablution blocks, camping site, and an area for parties and other recreational activities. ENDS