09 Mar 2024

Vice President and Boteti West Member of Parliament, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has called for the conversion of some of the state land into tribal land.

Contributing to the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs budget proposal recently, Mr Tsogwane said state land that was close to villages and towns should be considered, arguing that some villages and towns could not grow because they were surrounded by state land. He said turning some of the state land into tribal land would result in Batswana being allocated plots and villages growing.

He noted that most villages in his constituency were surrounded by state land hence they could not grow.

Mr Tsogwane also argued that the state land arrangement originated from the colonial government and that it ought to be reviewed.

On other issues, Mr Tsogwane thanked the Minister of Lands and Water Affairs for a job well done, citing land reforms, which allowed people to use their farms for mixed purposes such as agro-tourism.

He also said the ministry had managed to allocate significant plots as well as introduce secure land titles which increased land value.

Tonota legislator, Mr Pono Moatlhodi commended the ministry for the improved water supply around the country particularly in the southern part of the country.

He said there was a need to attend to old water pipe networks which disrupted water provision to households.

Maun West MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando said some land board members lacked the skill and expertise to run land boards, which comprised of land management and distribution.

He called for the ‘depoliticising of land boards’, saying members were selected along political party lines.

MP for Molepolole South, Mr Kabo Morwaeng said although government had availed water to Molepolole, old water network pipes were a letdown.

He requested the minister to act promptly to address the challenge. He also said the delay in allocation of residential plots and fields was still a challenge in his area.

Ramotswa MP, Mr Lefoko Moagi said there was a need to expedite issuance of secure land titles, adding that it should be done at all district level to speed up the process.

He thanked the ministry for availing water and called for the commissioning of the Lobatse water master plan, which he said was taking long hence denying communities water.

Dr Never Tshabang of Nkange constituency complained of water leaks, noting that the leaks lead to loss of water that could be going to households.

He said a land audit for the whole country was a necessity. Meanwhile legislators approved the lands ministry's 9.3 billion budget proposal for the 2024/25 financial year. Ends