19 Mar 2014

Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama has informed Parliament that he appointed his permanent secretary, chairman of Botswana Tourism Board for good reasons.

He said Mr Niel Fitt had 20 years of service with Kalahari Conservation Society, came from Agriculture and was knowledgeable about the country.

“I need people who can do the job and know the country, not just people who will sit in Gaborone and occupy a chairman’s chair that doesn’t help us, doesn’t help the country’s domestic tourism,” he said.

Mr Khama said it was for this reason that he appointed somebody he knew could work with and was close and informed on the operations of government and could assist develop tourism, especially domestic tourism.

He said he took into consideration the fact that permanent secretaries could not be chairpersons of parastatals, but said in this particular case, he wanted someone who could do the job and coincidentally that person occupied the position of permanent secretary.

Earlier on, MP for Maun West, Mr Tawana Moremi and Gaborone South MP, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi had argued that there was conflict of interest in the composition of the Botswana Tourism Organisation Board.

Mr Moremi also complained about government’s lack of commitment on maintenance of buffalo fences as cattle were moving indiscriminately. Mr Molatlhegi welcomed the National Climate Change Policy as it will pave way for establishment of green jobs in the country.

He urged government to consider establishment of carbon tax in the country as most people who pass through the country got away with it, adding that the money could contribute to the National Environmental Fund.

Kweneng South East MP, Mr Mmoloki Raletobana argued that the road to Gamodubu landfill was inaccessible to the villages under his constituency. He suggested that small landfills be erected for bigger villages such as Gabane, Metsimotlhabe and Mmopane.

He said disposal of rubble remained a challenge as there was indiscriminate dumping because of lack of policing of environment by ministry officials. Tati East MP, Guma Moyo complained about movement of elephants along the Dikgatlhong area, saying they compounded the Foot and Mouth disease, as the ministry of Agriculture has to time and again go and mend the fence.

Chobe MP, Mr Gibson Mshinwe called on government to develop a fishing industry. He said he was worried by the management of community concessions that were moved to department of Lands, something he said was going to deprive communities a livelihood as they were making money out of these concessions.

Bobirwa MP, Mr Shaw Kgathi said farmers in his constituency were terrorised by elephants that were destroying their farms. He said there was likelihood that underground water in the eastern part of Bobonong have been polluted and urged the minister to address the matter.

MPs further pleaded with the minister to be on the alert as this was a season for veld fires. They requested that fire breakers be maintained. Ends