29 Jul 2021

 The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism is working with the North West District Council (NWDC) to develop Maun Planning Area Development Plan (2021-2041) that includes Thamalakane River front.

Minister Phildah Kereng said this in response to a parliamentary question on July 28.

She said the plan was being developed through a consultancy, which was on the second milestone being the report of survey stage.

She said as a development guide and control tool, the development plan would, among others, transform Maun into a world class green city inclined towards diversified tourism product, provide projected land requirements for various land use categories in the planning area and identify zone land to meet the requirements as well as provide NWDC and stakeholders with a technical document which would inform development decisions.

The plan, Ms Kereng said, would also identify challenges and opportunities under the thematic sectors of urban planning, built environment, vulnerability, energy, transport, manufacturing, waste management, public areas and cultural heritage, to ensure that likely environmental impacts on polices, plans, programmes and proposals were evaluated such that mitigation and enhancement measures were implemented.

She also indicated that the Maun Redevelopment Plan, which was scheduled to complete mid-2022, would advise and guide on feasible interventions to develop the Thamalakane River Front into a tourism precinct.

“My ministry is also working with the relevant stakeholders to assist the Matlapana Development Trust to acquire and utilise land commonly known as ‘The Beach in Maun’ within the Thamalakane River Front. Once the trust has acquired the land, they will be assisted through relevant district structures to develop concrete management and operational plans for the site,” she said.

Again, she said, the ministry was also facilitating through the Department of National Museum and Monuments, development and utilisation of the Old Matlapaneng Bridge which was listed as a national monument and protected under the Monument and Relics Act of 2001.

She said planned developments included construction of a viewing deck, site office with toilet facilities for visitors, coffee shop and picnic areas structures with serviced litter bins. Proposed activities include boat cruises, mokoro rides, fishing and photo and video hiring services.

“The intention is to link this site with the beach area and market the two sites as complimentary products. After completion, the usage rights will be given to Matlapana Community through sublease by DNMM, this being one of the ministry’s community and citizen empowerment initiatives,” she said.

Furthermore, she indicated that phase one of the Old Matlapana Bridge, was completed at a budget of P2.25 million funded through KAZA and was launched on January 31, 2020.

“Lastly my ministry facilitated the development of the Management Plan for the Maun Educational Park which has now been handed to the community of Maun. The community is currently mobilising to form a trust that will manage the park. It is our hope that once done, the community will utilise the proposal from the Management Plan to realise the full potential of the park,” she said.

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, had asked the minister to brief Parliament on the ministry’s intentions to turn the Thamalakane River Front (Maun) into a tourism centre, particularly specific periods in which the plans would be implemented as well as areas to be covered by the intended plans. ENDS