01 Sep 2022

Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) is considering relinquishing its shareholding at Lepokole Nature Reserve, a joint venture company with Mapanda Conservation Trust.

Speaking during a meeting of Minister of Environment and Tourism with Mapanda and MASEGO trusts, BTO’s executive manager responsible for investment and product development Mr Tafa Tafa said that in preparations to relinquish shareholding from the company they would source a private investor to take over and form a partnership with Mapanda.

“Maybe it is time for a private investor to take over at Mapanda and work with the community. We have engaged a valuer to see how much it can go for in terms of lease” said Mr Tafa.

Mr Tafa said that the initial idea was to sublease the facility.

On other issues, Mr Tafa said Lepokole Nature Reserve could not be extended beyond the 1 000 hectares it currently sat on due to inhibiting circumstances.

“There was initially an idea to extend the facility to double its size however, we found that there were some boreholes in the portions we had identified,” said Mr Tafa who added that taking over such boreholes warranted hefty compensation to the owners.

Although currently in operation, the nature reserve is facing water challenges because the two boreholes in the facility do not yield enough water to sustain the nature reserve’s activities, according to BTO’s executive manager.

“Sometimes we buy and bowse water into the nature reserve to water animals in there,” Mr Tafa said about water challenges at the facility.

He was responding to area Member of Parliament, Mr Taolo Lucas who wanted to know the nature of relationship between Mapanda Conservation Trust and BTO. Mr Lucas also wanted to be briefed on future plans for the conservation facility in Lepokole.

In its business review it was concluded that there was need to erect permanent and or semi-permanent structures for tourists who are uncomfortable with tent accommodation. However, the development has been hamstrung by lack of funds, according to the trust board chairperson, Mr Omphile Mapanda.

Mr Mapanda detailed the challenges their nature reserve faced, chief among them the need for a culvert and or bridge over Mosu River which cuts between the village and the facility, rendering travel back and forth a challenge during rains. The nature reserve is about seven kilometers north east of Lepokole.

“The poor roads leading to Lepokole and the ultimate one to the nature reserve limit the number of tourists we should be getting,” said Mr Mapanda.

The 1 000 hectare facility houses offices in the entrance, some camping units, and it is home to various animal species as eland, zebras and wildebeest among others.

Also, the facility also boasts some ancient rock paintings, stone age tools and a wealth of archaeological treasures at Lepokole Hills. Ends