03 Sep 2025

Communities must desist from indiscriminate burning of waste as it poses risks to public health. 

Addressing full council meeting  on Monday, chairperson of the Letlhakeng District Council, Mr Gordon Mokgwathi appealed for proper waste disposal, warning that continued burning of waste could harm the district public health.

He noted that burning of waste increased as winter ends, leading to higher pollutants and emissions, therefore greater risks to public health. He also expressed regret over the council’s poor performance in waste management services, but emphasised that council consistently aimed to provide universal waste collection.

‘Unfortunately some residents’ lack of cooperation hinder such efforts, partly because many homes do not have waste bins,” he said.

He further urged all to take waste management seriously, reminding them  that the environment could not regenerate and that there is no alternative planet or atmosphere.

He informed the council that funding was secured for the purchase a waste compactor truck, to improve on efficiency and the quality of waste collection services. He also announced that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks had started building a solar power plant at Khutse Game Reserve. 

The initiative, Mr Mokgwathi said was part of government’s broader plan to shift to clean, renewable energy in protected areas, reducing reliance on diesel generators and cutting operational costs.

Once completed, he said the solar power plant would supply sustainable electricity to the reserve’s offices, staff housing, and tourism facilities. He said it would help reduce carbon emissions in line with Botswana’s climate change commitments and reduce long-term energy costs. ENDS