12 Nov 2020

Tawana Land board is conducting a study which will inform decision regarding the controversial land issue in Boro village near Maun.

The land board chairman, Mr Emmanuel Dube confirmed this in a recent interview emphasising that the findings would help them to map a way forward with regard to the issue of land allocation at Boro.He explained that land board was aware of concerns of delayed allocation of residential plots and issuance of certificates raised by villagers but there were currently no residential plots in Boro because the zone did not permit that. 

He acknowledged that initially, some residents were allocated plots but explained that it was a mistake as the zoning did not allow allocation of residential plots in Boro. It was reported that only 48 plots had been allocated since 2018.Mr Dube said allocation of ploughing fields was also done but things had changed as land allocation was guided by the land policy which provided that all plots had to be planned and surveyed before allocation.

He acknowledged that land board took long to identify a portion of land to allocate ploughing fields but assured residents that efforts were underway to fast-track the exercise. 

Mr Dube also admitted that the delay had caused dissatisfaction amongst members of the public as they had been waiting for long.

Meanwhile, in a recent kgotla meeting addressed by Maun West MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, residents expressed concern that land board was delaying in allocating them plots and issuing certificates. 

The move, they said hampered developments and exacerbated squatting in the area. 

Residents said they lived in fear of being evicted after developing their plots. 

Residents also questioned how some people who resided along the river bank acquired the plots and their certificates.

They urged the land board to up its game and finalise the mapping exercise to pave way for land allocation and issuance of certificates. Ends