04 Sep 2022

Debswana plans to collaborate with Boteti Sub-district to tackle incidences of illegal land occupation as a result of influx of Cut3 project job seekers.

 The Environmental Manager Cut3 project, Mr Tumelo Ntlhayakgosi told a Boteti Sub-council session in Letlhakane that the aim was to widely communicate the project labour requirements and limitations, as well as development of site, to reduce the systemic influx, which had already heightened due to the closure of Tati Nickel and BCL mines.

He said the 2021 Population and Housing Census preliminary results indicated a 4.4 per cent growth rate for Letlhakane.

Mr Ntlhayakgosi noted that they would explore possible collaborative partnerships with local authorities and public private partnerships to upgrade the existing infrastructure and services.

He stated that there would be semi-skilled and unskilled labour opportunities during the construction phase of the project, and all contractors would be mandated to abide by Botswana laws. He said periodic audits and verification by Debswana human resource teams would be conducted to mitigate any breaching of employment laws.

He further stated that there would be no increase in labour profiles therefore there would be no increase of accommodation requirements brought about by Cut3 project.

Mr Ntlhayakgosi however noted there would be provision for the refurbishment of contractors’ camp, to alleviate accommodation shortages that might be arise as a result of an increase of people during construction phase.

When commenting, Councillor Balopi Chilume expressed concern that contractors engaged by the mine, usually brought employees from outside the country, whilst there was skilled labour locally and requested Debswana to state measures and controls that had been put in place curb such.

Councillor Ofentse Gabalathane of Mopipi wanted to know if Debswana would assist Boteti Sub-council with funding for the sewage system, while, specially elected Councillor Otsile Mmatlakgomo noted that though Debswana did help some people through its programmes, it also disadvantaged others. 

He cited an example of an old woman who relocated from her borehole to pave way for Orapa Game park extension, but was later placed in a syndicate and those who were affected by expansion of the park fence, but were not assisted accordingly.

Councillor Gasethata Oagile requested a briefing on the long standing issue between Debswana and the farmers. Ends