28 Nov 2022

North West district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka has called for transformation of tourist destinations to make them more desirable.

Speaking during the launch of a annual clean-up campaign organised by Botswana Meat Commission Maun plant in collaboration with stakeholders, he said Maun was a tourism hub, hence the need to join hands to uplift its beauty by keeping it safe and clean.

“We have received some reports from some visitors that the area was untidy and this is a wakeup call for all of us to prioritise clean environment, be it households, workplaces and the surrounding at large,” he added.

Through collective efforts, Mr Waloka noted, they could make Maun the best tourism destination as well as promote healthy lifestyles.

He said Vision 2036 posited that a stronger economy could not be realised without a successful pillar of a sustainable environment, hence communities needed to be educated on the importance of cleanliness and proper waste management.

He commended BMC for coming up with the initiative and wished clean-up campaigns could be held monthly to encourage the community. 

Mr Waloka acknowledged that the abattoir was expected to comply with food hygiene hence clean environment was key.

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile commended Maun abattoir for taking a step to promote clean environment as part of their corporate social responsibility, adding that ‘green economy’ was emphasised globally.

He concurred that some visitors had complained about poor waste management in Maun which resulted in untidiness of the tourism village.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders including the community are responsible in maintaining a clean and safe environment”.

Mr Kekgonegile further expressed concern about illegal dumping of waste, which he said was most rampant in the outskirts of the village.

The MP encouraged leadership to intensify efforts in sensitising the community, noting that it was everyone’s’ obligation to protect the environment against pollution.

He said because the district had high water table, the community needed to keep the environment clean to prevent water contamination, as failure to do so could result in disease outbreaks. 

The event was held under the theme: Giving Back to the Environment,”

Maun plant manager, Mr Ishamel Morula appreciated stakeholders’ support, noting that environmental protection could only be realised through stakeholder involvement and commitment.

Environmental upkeep, he said was important not only for the environment and the plant, but for the general health of the public. 

He noted that in compliance to food safety standards, the abattoir was expected to operate in a clean environment for it to secure lucrative markets for their product. ENDs