15 Dec 2020

The area along the Madikwe River presents opportunities for the development of tourism establishment for different market segments. 

Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng said the developments of the area could contribute to the diversification of the country’s tourism product and the geographic spread. 

She noted that her ministry was in the process of identifying potential areas within the Kgatleng District that could be developed. 

She further said once identified and agreed to with land authorities, the areas would be allocated to Batswana and Batswana business consortia in a bid to promote citizen participation in the tourism industry. 

“My ministry is currently working with Kgatleng Nature Conservation Trust for the development of Kgatleng Nature Reserve in Ramotlabaki. 

The development of this reserve will provide communities with opportunities for job creation and opportunities for engaging in tourism value chain activities,” she said. 

Minister Kereng said while the ministry recognised the importance of Madikwe area for tourism, the area was not included in the development plans for allocation of requisite budgets, hence not much development took place along the river. 

She, however, noted that allocation to private sector would help in addressing budget problems as the area would now be developed by private sector. 

Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Mr Mabuse Pule had asked the Minister if she was aware that a section of the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) along the Madikwe River on the Botswana side from Sikwane connecting to the Mashatu area presented huge opportunities for the development of more tourism projects such as Eco-tourism, Agro-tourism, Cultural tourism.

Mr Pule also wanted the minister to state if her ministry had ever considered the area’s potential as an alternative tourism product to the Chobe River frontage, given its ability to contain mass tourism activities and why the ministry had not taken advantage of the opportunities to promote both domestic and international tourism. ends