Let�s fast track Lake Ngami economic diversification

Monitor Editor | Monday August 24, 2015 14:37

There are no doubts that the envisaged fishing industries can go a long way in creating employment for thousands of Batswana directly and indirectly.

We also hope that the envisaged horse rides, lake rides, chalets, lodges and hotels to be built around the Lake will be thought out with the citizens in mind.We hope that it will not be a repeat of the sad story that is evident along the Okavango River where all the places for lodges have been taken up by non-citizens who continue to benefit at the disadvantage of the local people in an industry that is worth billions of Pula.

As we fast track the transformation of the Lake Ngami economy, top on our agenda should be the citizens and only citizens.

As we think fish industries around Lake Ngami this is the opportunity to think big and plan for such industries that including packaging, canning, as well as those industries that can take advantage of fish by-products.

It is also pleasing to note that Lake Ngami fishing has attracted the interest of huge markets such as the DR Congo, and Zambia, whose population sizes are over 50 million.

Indeed to be able to tap into this market through the Lake Ngami fishing is sure to guarantee the fishing industry a huge success.

We can only call upon government to speed up the process of facilitating so that the necessary primary infrastructures are put in place in earnest to enable potential investors to come in with confidence.

It is very important that government takes the lead in seeing such opportunity as a true goldmine that needs urgent attention,for the success of this dream would not only take away the burden of employment creation, but will also help in widening the tax base.