Mogoditshane Residents Fight For Land

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Monday August 9, 2010 00:00

 

Appearing before Justice Sigh Walia, the residents who occupy Lot 29062 in Block 5 packed the Lobatse High court to witness whether the court would grant the company an eviction.

However, Tebogo Sebego, representing Botswana Hotel Development Company in consultation with court and defence attorney Oarabile Pitso withdrew the application to have the residents evicted without a hearing.

At the High Court, residents are seeking to block their intended eviction on the basis that over the years lands and local government and housing ministers have promised them title deeds of the land.

One defendant, Jacob Basupi contends that residents of Se ke Motse should have been given the title deeds way before 2003 as several ministers had promised them.

On the other hand, the company was granted the lease by government seven years ago and now intends constructing a multi million-pula residential estate on 20 hectares as well as an 18-hole golf course on 72.5939 hectares. In their filing notice, the company argues that despite lawful demand defendants 'refuse, neglect or failed to vacate lot 29062 Gaborone'.  On June 7 this year the company's board of directors resolved that the company institute proceedings against illegal occupants as the company has to utilise the land it paid millions of pulas for under a fixed period State grant.

Justice Walia, in a bid to fast track the matter, ordered that the two parties hold a case management conference to sort out documents that need to be exchanged before the case goes to trial.

The case management conference will be held on September 28.