The BCP cements grip on its ‘Bethlehem’

MAUN: For the residents here, Leleme la Metsi is vital and said to have great spiritual and medicinal powers. The floodwaters come through a dried river and it is called ‘Leleme’ (tongue) in Ngamiland. Travelling along the Boro River, Leleme la Metsi passes from the Buffalo Fence to Maun all the way to the Thamalakane River. The water is also used by traditional doctors and some pastors from African churches. Although the BCP left Maun before the arrival of Leleme la Metsi, the significance of their conference a few days before the water could perhaps bring them the ‘river blessings’ they surely need ahead of the October polls.

The BCP held its last conference before the election in their stronghold of the North West, an area they call ‘Bethlehem’. But as the BCP painted Maun with the lime colour, it hoped to continue drinking from the same stream despite the thirst which has engulfed the residents of the area. Indications here as people wait for the arrival of Leleme la Metsi is that the shortage of water has been a challenge in Botswana’s wildlife corridor and the tourism heartland.