Last week Pilane requested that the case be adjourned because he had not been furnished with documents that had been given as evidence by the expert, Arthur Albertson.
Pilane asked that the Basarwa provide a research report with methods and data analysis results comprising a comparative vegetation study, with species composition and density, basal cover and aerial cover. They were also required to provide the state with files, De Beers borehole information and maps.
When the case resumed, Albertson, an ecologist said he had been given a letter with a list of documents required by the state. He said he sent much of the information to the state either through fax or email. He said that he had done a grass basal cover analysis, which involved diversity composition and not analysis of species density as stated in the letter. He said he was unclear on what was being asked of him regarding species density and aerial cover. When questioned why he did not seek clarification of what it meant, Albertson said that he had not had an opportunity to do so. He said that it did not occur to him to ask as he was more preoccupied with trying to meet the set Friday 11am deadline given by the court. He said he compiled all information and sent it to the Attorney General’s Chambers. “I did my best to provide information to the best of my understanding,” Albertson said.
He said he was frustrated with trying to deliver information on time.
Pilane said that the applicants had not been in compliance with a court order of Friday 11am deadline and that some documents sent through the email would not open. He said some of the documents that had been provided had been passed to the experts who worked hard over the weekend. But still, they have been unable to finish looking through them. Albertson identified documents presented during his testimony and produced them as exhibits.
