Residents of Shakawe are calling on the government to designate their village as the headquarters for a proposed new administrative district, arguing that its strategic location and existing infrastructure make it the ideal hub for the northern Okavango region.
The proposal was raised during a recent consultative kgotla meeting as the government gathers community feedback on plans to establish a new administrative center aimed at boosting service delivery. The move is part of Botswana’s broader decentralization strategy.
The Okavango District was originally created following the restructuring of the North-West District, which previously managed the Ngami and Okavango areas under a single council. While the districts were separated to improve governance across the vast, sparsely populated region, the sheer distances and difficult terrain continue to hinder service delivery.
During the consultations, Shakawe emerged as the clear favorite among locals to host the new council.
“Shakawe has historically served as a service center and should naturally host the new administrative offices,” said resident Kebame Sakuze. “The demarcation should include all areas previously served from here.”
Another resident, Lefedile Andreck, proposed that the new council retain the name “Okavango District Council” to reflect the region’s identity. He also suggested the council logo be redesigned to better represent all communities, noting that the current emblem lacks representation for villages like Gumare.
Tshepo Maribela echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Shakawe already hosts essential services, including a hospital, a senior secondary school, and various government offices. “Shakawe deserves to be the headquarters because most services are already provided here,” he said.
However, Maribela cautioned that the demarcation must consider the challenges faced by remote settlements. He suggested that residents in far-flung areas like XauXau should continue to receive services from Gumare to avoid long travel distances.
Okavango Deputy District Commissioner Gaehetswe Maphakhwane confirmed that consultations are ongoing. She explained that all community views will be compiled and analyzed before a final decision is made regarding the structure and location of the headquarters.
Currently, the Okavango District Council oversees settlements stretching from Nokaneng to the Namibian border, including Tubu, the Etsha settlements, Shakawe, Mohembo, Seronga, Gudigwa, Gunotsoga, and Beetsha.
