30 Mar 2025

Botswana Guides Association has expressed gratitude for the government’s decision to allow its members to continue drawing water from the department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) borehole in Savuti without any charge.

They expressed the appreciation during a special meeting in Maun on Friday. Government’s decision came after the association wrote to permanent secretary in the ministry of Environment and Tourism in January expressing grievances with regard to payment of water by mobile operators in Savuti Camp.

The association had expressed concern that they were not consulted on the issue, arguing that the matter was also coming from a company which it did not have an agreement with.

Members were also happy to learn that those who had been paying for water would be refunded by the company which had been charging them by end of April.

BOGA manager, Mr Lebogang Xoo, informed the members that the dispensation would continue pending the development of water management strategy by DNWP that could amongst others introduce cost recovery.

He also stated that all stakeholders including BOGA would be consulted in the development of the water management strategy. While they appreciated the positive feedback, some members urged the association leadership to revisit the issue and see how best BOGA would assist its members in case the government introduced cost recovery.

Earlier on BOGA chairperson, Mr Kenson Kgaga thanked members for re-electing him as their leader and urged them to work together to protect the image and integrity of the association as well as to ensure it achieved its mandate.

The association, he noted, had made strides in promoting citizen participation in the tourism industry as well as promoting development of the tour and safari industry in the country.

Some organisations such as community trusts, Mr Kgaga said, were collapsing primarily due to poor management and lack of accountability for funds and other assets.

“Some trusts board members tend to abuse the power conferred upon them by exploiting trust funds and resources for personal gain, something which contributed to crumbling of trusts,” he added.

Mr Kgaga highlighted that BOGA prioritised the interests of its members, noting that the association would continue to request for more sites from the government for the benefit of its members.

BOGA, he said, aimed to represent all its members equally irrespective of their status so that they grow and create employment opportunities for Batswana.

He noted that the association was aware of the challenges the members faced such as poor road infrastructure in parks, non-functionality of some towers which limited communication during emergencies. He promised to engage relevant authorities on the matter in order to find a solution.

Meanwhile, in a bid to extend operations, the association has opened BOGA Rest Camp area which comprises a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool at its premises at Matlapana. Mr Kgaga said the development was an indication that the association was not only focusing on empowering members but also in investing into infrastructure development to boost their revenue and ensure sustainability of the association.

Kgosi Tshupegetso Bontsibokae of Matlapana appreciated BOGA Rest Camp saying it would give the village a facelift and also contribute towards the growth of tourism in the area as travellers would have a place to rest before traversing to the Okavango Delta. 

He said the camp would attract a lot of attention as it was strategically placed along the road to Moremi Game Reserve. 

He said BOGA had been supporting community activities citing the donation of air conditioners to the kgotla as well as various resources and stationery to schools. ENDS