24 Jan 2022

Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane has stated that Botswana intends to develop vaccinations locally.

Batswana he said should therefore be prepared to participate in the vaccine pilot projects.

He said this on Friday during kgotla meetings in Makalamabedi, Motopi and Moremaoto villages.

The VP stated that the aim was to attract investors who could invest in research and development of vaccines.

He indicated that the country had proved its potential to develop vaccines as it had for years developed Foot and Mouth vaccine through Botswana Vaccine Institute.

Mr Tsogwane noted that Botswana had robust research centres such as Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST),

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) among others and university of Botswana.

Mr Tsogwane said Botswana was one of the countries that performed well in vaccination of its population against COVID-19.

On a different matter the Vice-President stated that government would tar Motopi/Makalamabedi road during 2023/2024 financial year.

For his part wildlife officer Mr Mokwaledi Mafa urged residents to take care of the game proof fence separating Makgadikgadi National Park and the from communal area to prevent human-animal conflict.

He said the fence was imported from Kenya where it had ben used successfully.

Mr Mafa explained that that evidence had shown that humans, and not animals damaged the fence.

He cited the theft of batteries used to power the fence seperating Khumaga village and the game park as proof that humans were responsible for the damage.

However, he explained government had since been replaced. He urged residents to report those vandalising the fence.

He noted that the department was planning to reintroduce elephants in the park.

He indicated that the department was overwhelmed by human/wildlife conflict in Boteti and would increase staff in the area as well as open an office in Khumaga.

Mr Mafa was responding to Moreomaoto Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson Mr Chakona Leso who had complained that the game proof fence had some challenges as lions often gained entry to communal areas. ENDS