12 Dec 2013

The minister of Lands and Housing Mr Leboaamang Mokalake says Vumbura Islands are located in concession areas NG22 and NG23 which form part of the Okavango Delta in Ngamiland district.

Answering a question in Parliament on Wednesday, December 11, Mr Mokalake said the total land mass allocated in the two concession areas is approximately 9 200 000 hectors that is 5 800 000 hectors in NG22 and 3 400 000 hectors in NG23.

He said both concession areas were allocated to Okavango Community Trust by Tawana Land Board in 1996 for multi-purpose tourism activities and the head lease expired in April 2011.Mr Mokalake further said the trust applied for renewal and the Land Board issued a conditional approval that any joint venture partner shall be procured by a public tender.

However, he said due to some disagreements the matter is before the courts.MP for Kgatleng West Mr Gilbert Mangole had asked the minister to state the total land mass and geographical location of Vumbura Islands I and II respectively and whether they have been allocated to any individual by the relevant land authority.

He had also wanted to know if so, to who they have been allocated to; when were such allocation made and what was the states land use; and what is the current land use for the islands in question.  ENDS