Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has highlighted the positive impact of lifting the hunting ban on addressing the human-wildlife conflict.
Addressing residents of Maitengwe and surrounding villages November 22, President Masisi said the decision to resume hunting had allowed communities, who hold wildlife concessions, to generate revenue that could be channeled back into the local economy.
Therefore, he urged Batswana to stand behind the government’s stance on responsible hunting, ensuring compliance with animal conservation statutes. The primary objective of lifting the ban was to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife, particularly in heavily affected areas like Maitengwe.
Giving background on the lifting of the ban, Dr Masisi said government engaged in extensive consultations with the public before lifting the ban. While some international organizations, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), opposed the decision, President Masisi said it was critical to address the persistent challenge of animal invasions and protecting the well-being of citizens.
Regarding residents safety, President Masisi advised them to remain vigilant and protect themselves, adding, “When your life is at risk because of an animal, kill it. But do it right, because if you misfire or injure it, you will provoke the animal even more and you may harm yourself.”
On other government achievements, President Masisi said government was still consulting on how the recent acquired land from Tati Company would be used.
He said government has acquired 45 000 hectares of land in Francistown and surrounding areas.
The land is now state owned and govenment is exploring options for allocating the land to Batswana to address the long-standing land applications backlog.
Kgosi Shadrack Mphala-Mengwe of Maitengwe expressed his gratitude for the government’s implementation of the SmartBots project, which would improve access to services through online platforms.
However, he raised concerns about the impact of wildlife invasions on farms, which pose a threat to residents’ lives and livelihoods, leading to dependency on social welfare assistance.
Kgosi Mphala-Mengwe also stressed the urgency of expedited land allocation in Maitengwe, as the last allocation occurred in 2014. He urged government to prioritise this issue and take necessary actions.
Dr Never Tshabang, the Member of Parliament for Nkange constituency, expressed concern about a recent buffalo invasion in the region and its potential implications, particularly in relation to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. Dr Tshabang pleaded with President Masisi to prioritise his constituency when executing his plan to donate 8000 elephants.
Dr Tshabang also welcomed the upcoming construction of a water treatment plant which will commence next year, aimed at purifying salinated water through the reverse osmosis. He talked about the pressing need for the construction of the Tutume hospital adding that it currently lacked resources.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
