- Okavango District Council launches consultations to carve out a new administrative district
- Move seen as a service revolution for residents of the eastern panhandle
- New district to bring government services directly to remote residents
- Proposed district would encompass Shakawe and eastern Panhandle villages extending to Gudigwa
Okavango District Council (ODC) has begun consultations that could pave the way for the creation of a new administrative district, in what council leadership says is a move to enhance decentralisation and bring government services closer to the people.
Addressing a full council meeting, Chairperson Gaopalelwe Ronald said a team has been begun consultations with residents about the possible establishment of a new district. The proposed district would cover Shakawe, Mohembo and the Eastern Panhandle villages all the way to Gudigwa.
Ronald explained that the process is part of efforts to align District Development Plan 9 (DDP9) with the National Development Framework, National Development Plan 12 (NDP12). He added that the alignment process is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.
“The objective is to enhance decentralisation and bring services closer to the people,” he said, noting that Okavango’s vast geographical spread continues to pose logistical and service delivery challenges.
Okavango is one of the largest and most sparsely populated districts in Botswana. It includes remote villages, wildlife areas and sensitive environmental zones such as the two World Heritage Sites: Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills. Because of long distances between settlements, many residents have to endure transport challenges to access government services. This has often caused delays and increased costs for both communities and service providers.
If approved, Ronald said creating a new district could reduce administrative pressure and improve coordination of development projects. It could also speed up infrastructure development in areas that are far from the main service centres.
He added that decentralisation would strengthen local governance and allow communities to play a bigger role in decision-making. On February 19, 2026, council completed kgotla meetings in all villages and settlements across the district. During these meetings, the Chairperson’s development roadmap was shared and residents were given a chance to raise their concerns and suggestions, he noted.
In addition, council is working on settlement layout plans for villages such as Shakawe, Nokaneng and several Etsha settlements. Strategic Environmental Assessments are also being reviewed to allow proper land allocation and future development.
Despite the positive plans, the chairperson acknowledged some challenges that remain. Ronald mentioned delays in funding approvals, poor contractor performance, transport shortages and lack of equipment as some of the obstacles which are slowing down development.
However, Ronald said council remains committed to working with government and communities to ensure that Okavango becomes more efficient, inclusive and responsive to the needs of its people.
The Birth of Okavango District
Originally part of the vast North-West District, Okavango was established 2022 as a standalone district to overcome the logistical hurdles of the Delta’s terrain. The decentralisation allows for faster service delivery to remote areas previously managed from afar.
Administrative Hub: Gumare
Key Leadership: District Commissioner & Council Chairperson
Major Hubs: Gumare, Shakawe, Etsha clusters, and the Panhandle villages.
Population: ~73,000 (Approx. 2022 Census for Okavango District specifically).
Landscapes: A mix of permanent wetlands, Kalahari sands, and seasonal floodplains.
Economic Pillars: Tourism, subsistence farming, and cross-border trade.
Shakawe: The Strategic Heart
While Gumare serves as the official headquarters, Shakawe remains the region’s primary economic engine. Boasting a senior secondary school, a hospital, and a strategic border crossing, it serves as the vital link, via the iconic Mohembo Bridge between the Okavango Panhandle and the rest of the SADC region and presents great tourism potential.
