Fissures Halt Developments in Hatsalatladi

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Fissures Halt Developments in Hatsalatladi
Fissures Halt Developments in Hatsalatladi

Africa-Press – Botswana. Hatsalatladi community is gripped by fear as heavy rainfall leads to the formation of increasingly dangerous fissures.

Residents are alarmed by the possibility of being buried alive due to these unsettling ground conditions. In an interview recently, Mr Ontefetse Rankhibidu, Chairperson of the Kweneng District Council and area councillor, has committed to addressing the issue in the upcoming council session.

He will also follow up with the Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI), which has yet to deliver a report on its research concerning the fissures.

Kgosi Sakie Gabanamotse of Hatsalatladi, stated that leaders were unable to provide answers regarding the fissures, pending the BGI report.

He noted that the BGI has conducted assessments of the fissures in 2016, 2019, and 2022, but the release of their findings has been delayed. Kgosi Gabanamotse expressed concerns about the safety of the village, suggesting that it might have been built over hollow ground.

“The fissures have existed for many years; as boys, we used to see them, but they have worsened in recent years,” he lamented.

He said with the current downpours, they have sleepless nights, wondering if we would be alive the next day.

“Our main plea is for the government to act swiftly, as these fissures have stalled developments; the land board has suspended land allocations while awaiting the Geoscience report,” he said.

The danger has forced the village to halt new construction projects.

“We have been ordered to stop building new houses or structures until the land surveying report is released. The village is now at a standstill due to a lack of developments,” Mr Gabanamotse said.

He urged Councillor Rankhibidu to push for the prompt release of the BGI report and also advised residents to prepare for potential outcomes, including the possibility of relocating to safer areas.

The socio-economic impact of the fissures has been profound. According to a quarry worker, Mr Godisaone Tshipayagae reported that recent cracks have emerged in previously unaffected areas, including the Hatsalatladi Young Stars football ground, which has now been abandoned due to safety concerns.

“Many fissures are located near the school’s ablutions, in the bushes, and around a small dam. Some residents were relocated to Gamodubu years ago due to similar issues. Cyclone Dineo also caused fissures that damaged the Molepolole-Lephephe tarred road,” Tshipayagae explained.

He lamented the disruption to his quarrying business, which has been halted due to suspended licenses on the grounds of the pending Geoscience report. “Even government construction tenders, which have traditionally provided income, have been halted,” he added.

Councillor Rankhibidu acknowledged the risks posed by the fissures to both residents and livestock.

He recalled an incident in previous years when a cow fell into a fissure and noted that a vehicle recently became stuck in one of the newly formed fissures along the roadway.

Assuring villagers of his commitment, Rankhibidu stated, “I will seek immediate feedback

on the Geoscience report. If the findings suggest that relocation is necessary, the cost should not be a concern for the government.”

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