29 May 2025

Ngaguritunge Farmers Syndicate from Nokaneng in the Okavango District has received a revamped borehole from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy.

Funded by the Japanese Embassy, the project entails the equipping of the borehole and installation of solar powered system and it is one of the projects that were funded by the Emergency Grant Aid from the government of Japan launched in 2024 and implemented by UNDP to support vulnerable communities affected by drought in the Okavango.

UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Balazs Horvath thanked the government of Japan for making the project possible through financial support. He appreciated the syndicate for having a vision and working as a team. He explained that they decided to install the solar panel powered system as it required less maintenance and that it could last for about 25-years if used properly as compared to the former way of using diesel power reticulation.

Dr Horvath noted that the system would produce a large quantity of power and encouraged the syndicate to explore other projects that require electricity that could benefit their community. The syndicate was advised to consider erecting an electric fence to protect the borehole from wild animals, especially elephants.

Japanese ambassador to Botswana, Mr Shindo Yusuke said drought and climate change had a negative impact especially in the rural areas. He said the government of Japan was committed to assist rural communities.

Ngaguritunge Farmers Syndicate chairperson, Mr Rukata Rukata said the syndicate consisting of 10 members was formed in 2011 and applied for a borehole from the government in 2012. He said they managed to buy an engine, pipes and a pump required to source water but they experienced challenges of maintenance and replacement of engine parts and other materials as well as cost for diesel over the years. He appreciated the assistance by the government of Japan and UNDP. 

Nokaneng chief, Kgosi Kebonyetsala Fish said the project would indeed benefit the community that traditionally depended on agriculture, and had suffered due to the effects of drought and climate change. He encouraged members of the community including farmers to form syndicates and work as a unit saying by doing so, they would easily get assistance from government and other local and international partners. ENDS