- state of dumping site dims the gains
Environmental conservation has become a top priority for Khumaga, a village uniquely positioned on the banks of the Boteti River and adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. After a four-year hiatus, the river has finally flooded, prompting residents to mobilise in defense of their natural resources.
In a show of solidarity, residents recently partnered with Desert & Delta Safaris, local tour operators, and dedicated NGOs to participate in the national clean-up campaign. This initiative, observed every second Saturday of the month, saw the community respond in large numbers to President Duma Boko’s national environmental campaign.
The morning exercise demonstrated a spirit of oneness and a shared desire for the village to serve as a beacon of environmental consciousness. As the primary gateway for tourists entering the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the stakes were high; the clean-up was witnessed firsthand by self-drive tourists heading into the protected area.
With the Boteti River in full flood for the first time in four years, the activity symbolised the community’s commitment to protecting a sensitive ecosystem from pollution. The campaign was coordinated by the Village Development Committee (VDC) under the leadership of Chairperson Ketshabelwang Goratwang.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Goratwang expressed appreciation for the stakeholders involved. Key participants included Desert & Delta Safaris’ Leroo la Tau Camp, Bush Ways Safaris, and various NGOs.
However, the campaign’s impact brought a significant challenge to the forefront: the deplorable state of the village dumping site. As waste was collected, it became clear that the current facility is not environmentally sound.
In a scenario facing many villages across the country, the Khumaga landfill remains unfenced and lacks a structured waste management system. This allows both domestic animals and wildlife access to the refuse, which is often scattered by the wind, creating a persistent environmental hazard.
Kesaobaka Galeipone, from the Department of Environmental Health in the Boteti District Council, noted that while Khumaga is generally well-maintained, the dumpsite remains a major obstacle. Galeipone issued a clarion call for immediate support to refurbish the facility, noting that its current condition defeats the purpose of local cleanliness efforts.
Ibo Madandume, Impact Manager for Chobe Impact, underscored the importance of Chobe Holdings Limited’s involvement. Through its subsidiary, Desert & Delta Safaris, the company remains a long-standing strategic partner in Khumaga’s development.
While Madandume noted that the campaign ran smoothly, he described the landfill as a “major eyesore” that impedes the environmental goals set by the national campaign.
Khumaga is expected to join the rest of the country for the next scheduled clean-up campaign next month, continuing the president’s mandated monthly tradition.
