- seeks to diversify revenue streams through Bojanala Holdings
- In the process of applying for a concession in the Okavango Delta
- pushes for hunting quotas from DWNP
The North West District Council (NWDC) has revealed plans to venture into tourism as part of its efforts to diversify streams for sustainable revenue-generation to enhance its financial independence.
This push by the local authority stems from recommendation by the ministry of local government and traditional Affairs, for councils to avoid over-reliance on central government funding and instead create own income to ensure financial independence and better service delivery.
In an interview, NWDC chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng revealed that council’s company, Bojanala Holdings will act as the investment vehicle to manage these proposed tourism projects among them an investment in the Okavango Delta – similar to the proposed presidential resort by government within the NG 28 concession.
Kelebetseng revealed that they have had discussion with the physical planning where they discussed modalities on submitting an application for a concession in the Okavango Delta at Tawana Land Board.
Kelebetseng has also announced council’s interest in dedicated annual hunting quotas from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).
According to Kelebetseng, council is currently in the process of operationalising Bojanala Holdings, adding that they are seeking start-up funds for that purpose.
Asked about previous initiatives geared towards diversifying revenue generation, Kelebetseng responded that some are still on track while others were found not to be viable.
This include among others, the once proposed development of a horse racing track field that was also set to promote tourism and economic growth.
“The horse track racing field plot is near the University of Botswana campus in Sexaxa. An expression of interest will come out for an interested investor to collaborate with us on this project,” assured the chairperson.
However, he expressed disappointed that the previous administration proposed to build an international horse racing track in Palapye, a plan that he believes could have been envisioned in their already available plot.
Meanwhile former NWDC Chairman, Reaboka Mbulawa had expressed disappointed that his successors failed to deliver on some of the projects that could have helped council increase its revenue.
He highlighted that when he left in 2019, he had established a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) company which could have been operational by now. He added that the horse track racing field could have been one of the projects implemented through the PPP company.
“If they have not done that after so long then it is unfortunate. It is something that will cripple the council,” he said.
Mbulawa has also questioned the council’s capacity to effectively manage and execute such complex, high-level tourism projects.
“Having failed build a horse track, then they want another mandate beyond it. I am not convinced that they have the capacity.”
He however clarified that there is nothing wrong with council operating a similar investment in the Okavango Delta similar to the presidential resort planned by government.
“It does not matter if its council or the central government that operates such an investment. Just like government did, council is also eligible to apply for a similar concession. Why go for the same land when there is enough,” he quipped.
Government has recently rejected a motion by Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando requesting it to abandon plans to construct a Presidential Lodge within the NG 28 concession and return it to Tawana Land Board for possible allocation to the North West District Council.
