12 Nov 2013

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has informed Parliament that the land use in which the Kweneng settlement falls in is zoned pastoral.

She indicated that a layout plan will soon be prepared in line with the district priorities, which will detail the use of land including agricultural and other compatible use. Ms Tshireletso also informed the house that all land transfers effected by Kweneng Land Board were subject to input from the social and community development office.

She also indicated that in the past this arrangement was not in place, but on realising the potential negative effect that the process may have on the residents through dispossession of their land, the district has since involved the social and Community Development office on all Land matters affecting the RADS.

The Assistant Minister was responding to a question asked by Member of Parliament for Kweneng East Major General Moeng Pheto who wanted to know why Kweneng Settlement was never allocated a reserved area for future agricultural growth, particularly arable farming as it has been the case with other remote areas recognised as settlements.

The MP had also asked the minister whether she is aware that the current arrangement may halt future economic empowerment for the dwellers and also expose them to exploitation. ENDS