24 Jun 2024

The donation of six boreholes to five villages in Okavango East by Okavango Wilderness Safari (OWS) and its partners have been described  as testament to public-private partnership.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony recently in Eretsha, Okavango District Council  secretary, Ms Iris Sitayelo appreciated the drilling and equipping of the boreholes at the tune of over P1.2 million.

She said the boreholes would aid development in Mokgacha, Gunotsoga, Beetsha, Gudigwa and Eretsha with two boreholes, adding that government needed such support from development partners to bring services to people.

Ms Sitayelo urged community members to be good custodians of the boreholes.

The Okavango Safari Company managing director, Mr Joseph Matome said the boreholes project was delayed by COVID-19, and that it started in 2023.

Mr Matome said two of the boreholes were solar powered while others were operated with hand pumps, adding that they hoped the boreholes would mitigate human-wildlife conflict. 

Mr Matome said they encouraged cluster farming and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to alleviate challenges such as climate change.

He appealed to the youth to be active in agriculture in order to ensure the continuation of the sector.

Ecoexist field manager, Mr Makata Baitseng said the boreholes would help residents in the five villages to get water nearer, and urged them to ensure the sustainable use of the boreholes to benefit future generations.

Councillor for Seronga/Gunotsoga, Mr Boipuso Mangurunga thanked the business community for the boreholes, saying  their relationship with the investors dated back to 1996 when Okavango Community Trust was formed.

Nominated councillor, Mr Molathegi Moyei said the boreholes would address shortage of water experienced by communities

The borehole project was realised through the contributions of Okavango Wilderness Safari, Chris Koenemann, Ecoexist and others. ends