12 Jan 2014

Member of Parliament for Maun West, Mr Tawana Moremi is optimistic that the issue between Batawana and government regarding the Moremi Game Reserve and Maun Educational Park (MEP) would be resolved amicably.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in the village, Mr Moremi said they managed to write a letter to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama who had indicated that he was still consulting and would give feedback.

The issued emerged last year following a decision by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) that government wanted to change the land use of Maun Educational Park to develop five-star accommodation and entertainment facilities, conference venues as well as a restaurant site. 

He said the issue angered Batawana, noting that history indicated that the land where the park was situated, was a tribal land and they resolved to request government to give back the Maun Educational Park (MEP) to its owner.

Regarding Moremi Game Reserve, Mr Moremi explained that the reserve was initiated by Batawana in 1962 and the idea was brought forward by the then Batawana regent, Kgosi Moremi hence the reserve was named after him.

He said the area was managed and operated by the Fauna Conservation Society of Ngamiland and the idea was to conserve the fauna and flora found in the area. The department of Wildlife and National Parks requested to use the game reserve in 1979 as there was no proper management by the society and it was agreed that if the society wanted to revive its constitution and run the game reserve, it would be allowed to do so.

In addition, Mr Moremi said regarding the MEP, the Tawana Land Board documents had revealed that the park was managed by the society and the department of wildlife wanted to expand it.

“It has been indicated that they wrote a letter for expansion and lease but there is no proof whether there was any transfer of land from the society to the department”, he said.

He said there was no evidence whether meetings were held by land board and relevant authorities to discuss the status of the park. Last year residents also took a decision to write to Tawana land board seeking clarification on the ownership of the park, he said.

However, residents decided to form Batawana advisory committee mandated to represent the interest of the community and advise the tribal authority whenever necessary to protect the wealth of the Ngamiland community. Residents were also informed that government had shelved implementation of new projects because of financial constraints.

The legislator stated that government had decided to construct Thamalakane Bridge used by heavy trucks from the copper nickel mines to the markets. He thanked the government for its continuous efforts to find all available means to develop Batswana even during economic recession. ENDS