19 Nov 2023

Allocation of residential plots in Khwai and Sankoyo settlements has been put on hold pending completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), sayse Minister of Lands and Water Affairs Dr Kefentse Mzwinila. 

In response to a question in Parliament, Dr Mzwinila said preparation of layout plan for Khwai settlement had been deferred by the North West District Council (NWDC) Physical Planning Committee pending the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). He said due to the environmental sensitivity of Khwai settlement compared to Sankoyo, it had also been a challenge to identify a site for expansion of the village, hence the decision to carry out the SEA to assist in the identification of suitable areas. 

The exercise was initially delayed to start due to lack of funds to carry out the SEA by the NWDC, but funds were later disbursed to the council for the project by the land board, he said. He also said in 2021, the district council awarded three tenders to undertake SEA across 23 villages, including Khwai and Sankoyo to facilitate allocation of plots. 

He said two of the successful contractors including the one covering Sankoyo and Khwai failed to perform to expectation and were subsequently terminated in 2022. He further said the district council re-advertised the services and the tender closed on August 3. Maun East legislator, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile had wanted to know the resumption date of plot allocation for Khwai and Sankoyo residents and reasons behind long delays for allocation.ENDS