Inadequate Consultations Worry legislators
29 Jul 2025
Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced concerns over what they describe as inadequate stakeholder engagement prior to the tabling of the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Bill by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi.
Okavango East MP, Mr Gabotsholwe Disho, called on the minister to revisit affected communities to engage them meaningfully.
“There has never been proper consultation with the people in my own constituency. The community was never consulted and they feel sidelined on matters that directly affect them,” he stated.
Mr Disho also raised issues regarding recent changes in the trusts managing natural resources, criticising the replacement of experienced individuals.
“Some of the people running the trusts may only have Junior Certificates, but they have extensive hands-on experience. Removing them without acknowledging their contributions is unfair and disrespects the community’s efforts,” said.
Echoing these concerns, Chobe MP, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga, revealed that he had only just encountered the Bill upon its presentation in Parliament.
“This shows a serious gap in stakeholder engagement. The communities we represent have not been fully engaged, and I myself was not involved at any stage before the Bill came here,” he said. Similarly, Thamaga Kumakwane MP, Mr Palelo Motaosane, expressed skepticism about the extent in which consultations were made.
“If there were community engagement meetings, maybe they were just sampled or symbolic,” he said. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : BOPA
Location : Gaborone
Event : Parliament
Date : 29 Jul 2025
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