18 Mar 2014

The MP for Bobirwa, Mr Shaw Kgathi has applauded the Ministry of Lands and Housing for allocating land to beneficiaries of various youth empowerment programmes.

Debating the Ministry of Lands and Housing budget request for the 2014/15 financial year, Mr Kgathi said audits by the Land Administration, Procedures, Capacity and Systems (LAPCAS) project were a welcome undertaking.

He called for the allocation of plots in his constituency as there was a backlog and said the ministry should consult with the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMWER) for provision of services to these plots.

Mr Kgathi said shortage of accommodation for public officers was worrisome, adding that the public officers housing programme would help in this regard.

MP for Ngami, Mr Taolo Habano said the ministry should work with that of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) in land zoning.

He said the intended recognition of the Okavango Delta as a World Heritage Site would mean some people would be relocated and urged the ministry to help. Mr Habano requested the minister to clarify the cessation of borehole allocations because of the wildlife areas management policy.

MP for Lobatse, Mr Nehemiah Modubule said he was worried about the 1000 houses to be built under the Turnkey development scheme, noting that at such a rate, the country would never be able to house its citizens.

Mr Modubule said they have plot allocations lists going into thousands and this was worrisome as it seems nothing was being done.

He said the government should also speed up servicing of farms the government purchased around Lobatse as people are now looking for plots in areas such as Molapowabojang and Otse.

MP for Tati East, Mr Guma Moyo commended the ministry, noting that they have not heard of squatting and illegal allocations issues for a long time.

He noted that people are applying for land in Tati land board in soaring numbers and some fraudulent land acquisitions are happening. He however appealed that such allocations be stopped until all the proper services had been put in place.

MP Moyo said residents of villages along the border in the North East were considering moving from the areas to create a buffer zone to help address the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The Nkange legislator, Mr Edwin Batshu said he has long requested the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) to build housing units in Tutume to help address shortage of accommodation for public officers.

He said allocation of in-fields in Tutume and Maitengwe should also be done as soon as possible as thieves use the spaces as hide-outs.

Mr Batshu also asked the minister to explain why the Tutume sub-land board has stopped allocation of plots in his constituency.

He urged the ministry to go to Batswana and explain the integrated farming policy as well as the public housing scheme. Mr Batshu said border affirmation should be expedited in order to have clear border lines.

MP for Moshupa, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi also applauded the ministry for a job well done, adding that he appreciates the poverty alleviation infrastructure programme in his area.

He said they were also grateful that Tshwaane, Polokwe and Goo-Kodisa issues had been resolved and now awaiting land allocations.

The MP called for consultation when land allocations are stopped, adding that allocation of plots in Manyana has long been overdue.

He appreciated LAPCAS saying it would help many Batswana and urged the minister to look for ways that would help in servicing land.

Mr Masisi said Mogonye residents are also waiting to hear when there would be allocated plots in their area.

Selibe Phikwe West MP, Mr Gilson Saleshando said the money requested for land servicing was very little, noting that failure to manage the economy properly has led to lack of serviced land. The ministry should prioritise when using funds and the land boards should to get their act together, he added.

MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi raised a concern about shortage of serviced land and wondered what was stalling allocation of plots in Gerald Estates after the government bought the land.

He said people have been on waiting lists for many years and some even passed away while still waiting.

Mr Mmolotsi said those who died before being allocated plots, their plots should be passed on to their estate once it was available. Shortage of burial space in Francistown has forced people to use shallow graves for burying their loved ones, he added.

The legislator also called on the government to allow those who have worked in Francistown for a long time and staying in pool houses to purchase them.

MP for Gaborone North, Mr Keletso Rakhudu said BHC houses in Phakalane were not supposed to have been sold to people when they did not have sewage facilities and called on the minister to address the owners about measures that would be put in place.

Mr Rakhudu said he was happy that the ministry was doing something about sectional titles to allow those who can to purchase houses where they stay.

He noted that BHC is not resourced properly to deliver on its mandate of providing houses to Batswana and suggested that partnerships be formed with the private sector.

MP for Gaborone South, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi said plot allocations of 1012 plots are very low against a waiting list that runs into thousands. He also requested for allocation of plots to churches so that they stop congregating at homes and open spaces.

Mr Molatlhegi said he wanted to know the total waiting list and the amount required to help service the land for such allocations.

He also requested the minister to clarify about land around Gaborone Dam allocated to various individuals for tourism purposes, and whether it was ever advertised.

MP for Molepolole North, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri said public officers’ housing scheme is welcome and should be explained in details to Batswana so that they could benefit.

He urged land boards to see how they could deal with open spaces reserved in various wards. Maun West MP, Mr Tawana Moremi requested for a sub-land board in Maun to help with the overwhelming work of the Tawana Land Board. ENDS