PALEKA Trust Members Demand Accountability

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PALEKA Trust Members Demand Accountability
PALEKA Trust Members Demand Accountability

Africa-Press – Botswana. Pandamatenga residents have raised concerns over divisions and lack of consultations from Pandamatenga, Lesoma, Kazungula (PALEKA) Community Conservation Trust.

Raising their views during a kgotla meeting addressed by Chobe MP, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga recently, residents remarked that PALEKA was fragmented because of failure to consult communities from the three villages by the board.

They stated that the interim board that was elected in 2023 following a motion of no confidence against the old board had failed to call an Annual General Meeting to update members about the state of PALEKA.

Moreover, members of the community suggested that the board liaise with the Technical Advisory Committee led by the Office of the District Commissioner to facilitate consultations with the community and ensure government was aware of the people’s concerns.

Responding to the questions, PALEKA board chairperson, Mr Kabozu Kabozu assured the community that an AGM would be held in February.

He stated that members of the community trust would be updated on the operations of PALEKA and receive an audited accounts and report at this AGM.

Moreover, he said PALEKA members would be kept abreast on all the trust’s activities and financials how much revenue was generated through leasing of concessions and hunting quotas.

Mr Kabozu implored community members to attend the AGM in order to express their views and probe the board on any matters of their interest.

For his part MP Mapulanga stated that PALEKA was an economic engine for the three villages generating millions that could be channeled to developments and community empowerment.

He said currently developments were lagging behind in Pandamatenga citing dire water supply and power outages and poor internal roads.

He stated that projects like internal roads maintenance could be carried out through PALEKA funds however, noted this had failed because of the conflicts surrounding the community trust.

Mr Mapulanga said Chobe District was endowed with natural resources being perennial Chobe River and wildlife hence noted it was essential that the economic value of these resources reflected on the people of Chobe by improving their livelihoods.

He said community trusts like PALEKA were established to preserve natural resources sustainably and create opportunities based on communities and in return generate income injected back into the community.

The MP encouraged residents to enroll at Construction Industry Trust Fund and Chobe Brigade to gain skills and knowledge that would help them start their own businesses to supply and be contracted by government and other entities.

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