Debswana relocates farmers for park extension

Correspondent | Friday May 30, 2014 16:31

Debswana’s community and mine closure planning coordinator, Mbakiso Sebina has told Mmegi that they are in talks with farmers and Letlhakane Sub-Land Board on the relocation. He declined to provide details saying that the matter is still under discussion. He added that they would hold a press briefing once the discussions are over. 

Kealeboga Ntapu, Letlhakane deputy Sub-Land Board secretary confirmed they are talking with Debswana on the issue but declined to reveal more because negotiations are still on.

The mine is said to have signed a deal with Letlhakane Sub-Land Board to get a plot to relocate the farmers. In their application to the Sub-Land Board, Debswana is reported to have said that their current park is situated in an area where there are diamonds they want to mine.

Reliable sources say some farmers have been promised farms that belonged to government in the Setata area and Makoba quarantine camps.

Mine officials are said to have visited the farms with representatives of Letlhakane Sub-Land Board for a viewing.

One of the people to be relocated, Omphile Galebotswe told Mmegi that he was against the idea until he was told he would be given another farm. “The farms are said to be around Makoba and Setata areas,” he said.