Botswana: Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi has informed residents of Maitengwe that the Government is committed to taking steps to address the challenges posed by Elephants that are roaming freely in their area.
President Masisi said the Government will enhance surveillance in the Tutume District as a way of protecting the lives of people against wildlife.
Residents of Maitengwe and neighbouring villages have expressed concern that they are unable to take advantage of some of the Government farming programmes due to the presence of Elephants in the area.
Villagers said they fear that they may not be able to take advantage of the newly established flagship programme, Temo Letlotlo and the upcoming agricultural programme Thuo Letlotlo due to the human-wildlife conflict challenges that they face.
President Masisi urged Batswana to be self-sufficient in both household and national food production by enrolling in the arable agriculture flagship programs such as Temo Letlotlo and the upcoming agricultural programme Thuo Letlotlo and to take advantage of the Artificial Insemination programme as provided by the Government so as to improve the current quantity and quality of breeding stock across the country.
President Masisi said this will help increase household income and reduce poverty levels.
The Maitengwe Village Development Committee Chairperson, Shadreck Balopi, informed the gathering that they were concerned about the extensive waiting list for land allocation.
President Masisi expressed concern about the extensive waiting list. He told residents that the Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Kefentse Mzwinila, will visit the area to address a kgotla meeting on the land allocation challenges. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
President Masisi informed residents that the Government had made a breakthrough in re-claiming the largest privately owned freehold land, measuring 45,000 hectares, which Tati Company Limited owned. He said the land will be designated as State Land and will be equitably distributed, a move that reflects Government’s commitment to fair and inclusive land allocation.
The Kgotla Meeting at Maitengwe served as a platform for President Masisi to directly engage with citizens, offering solutions to challenges affecting their daily lives. Dr. Masisi remains committed to addressing national concerns and to uplifting the lives of Batswana.