09 Feb 2022

Work is reportedly ongoing to make the Lobatse dairy project operational.

Addressing a kgotla meeting on Tuesday,  Member of Parliament for Lobatse,  Dr Thapelo Matsheka said he was informed that an agreement was in place for a technical partner to operate the farm.

“I am informed that a drilling company is working on increasing the borehole capacity at the farm, with the intention to start fodder production for making dairy cow feed,” he said.

He told the community that he was assured that milk production activities would eventually commence.

“We will keep giving feedback about progress of the project because it has potential to create many employment opportunities,” he said.

The multi-million Pula Milk Afric project was launched in 2016, as a partnership between the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and a private investor, with Lobatse Town Council providing land for the project.

The objectives of the project, were to significantly increase milk production in Botswana, bring investment to Lobatse and create employment. It has however been hit by a series of delays.

On other issues, Dr Matsheka informed the community that preparations were ongoing to re-start production at Lobatse Clay Works, adding that BDC had reached an agreement with an investor from South Africa to reopen the business.

In his welcome remarks, Woodhall Customary Court president, Mr Mpaesele Itumeleng, expressed concern about the high rate of crime in the area, with assaults and house breakings taking the lead.

Ward Development Committee chairperson, Ms Sylvia Latlhang, deplored alcohol abuse by young people, which she said resulted in fighting and assaults in Woodhall.

She said youth unemployment was also a major concern.

In their comments, residents complained about the high cost of emptying pit latrines, loud noise from entertainment spots in the locality and poor refuse collection by the town council. Ends