16 Jan 2022

 Residents of Lesoma have been implored to desist from selling plots.

Addressing a kgotla meeting on Friday, Chobe MP Mr Machana Shamukuni told residents that with the new land policy a person qualified for only one residential plot in all the tribal land in the country.

 He observed with concern that social media platforms in Chobe were flooded with adverts of people selling plots.

Mr Shamukuni suggested that instead of selling the plots residents should lease them for a certain number of years.

He further appealed to those who developed their plots to build in such a way that they could help address the acute shortage of public officers’ accommodation through leasing.

On other issues, the MP informed residents that they should not expect much from the February budget Parliament as the economy was on a deficit, with the possibility that some projects would be shelved.

 He however, encouraged them to remain hopeful, as when the economy recovered the projects would be carried out. Mr Shamukuni further encouraged residents to take part in the constitutional review consultations and the population and housing census.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Bafedile Lesoma raised a concern about the rate at which plots were sold.

He noted that the practice defeated government’s efforts atensuring that all Batswana had residential plots.

He said it was disappointing that some of the plots, which were allocated in Kazungula around November were already sold.

On other issues Kgosi Lesoma encouraged people to refrain from politicising community trust issues as trusts belonged to all morafe regardless of their different political affiliations.

He advised that all issues involving such organisations should be discussed at the kgotla. VDC chairperson, Mr Simon Phokoje suggested that the borderline should be debushed to make it easier for patrols.

He requested for storm water drainage system in the village and that abandoned burrow pits should be handed to the VDC to help create employment for the residents.

A resident, Mr Kopano Lesoma requested that there should be a fire station in Pandamatenga or Ngwasha. Mr Richard Kashweeka suggested that the population and housing census policy should be amended so that instead of asking how many people slept in a dwelling, the question should be expanded to establish their permanent residence.

Ms Nachima Khwese complained about the way some members of parliament handled their debates, which she said brought Parliament into disrepute.

Responding to some of the issues raised, Chobe Land Board chairperson, Mr Johane Chenjekwa said the board could not refuse to change ownership of plots as the law permitted, as long as the requirements were met.

He further informed the residents that the Land Board would advertise business plots in February,and encouraged them to try their luck.

The deputy council secretary Mr Thuso Mazebedi explained that the council had requested for funds for roads and storm water drainage in the district, and remained hopeful that the request would be successful.

He explained that the issue of the fire station was a challenge country-wide and since the review of the Fire Act was on-going, something positive might come forth.

Mr Mazebedi further informed residents that the district fire station only had 15 firemen who were always on full engagement instead of shifts as it was supposed to be the case. ENDS