Residents of Lehututu and Tshane have been advised not to focus only on agriculture but to explore tourism opportunities capable of creating jobs in their constituency.

The Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North Constituency, Ms Talita Monnakgotla, said this during recent kgotla meetings in both areas.

She said most people thought Kgalagadi was a bland desert, though the area had the potential to attract thousands of tourists and improve the country’s tourism performance.

She implored them to take advantage of the Mabuasehube Game Reserve, increase guest houses and promote performing art skills as well as tapping into other natural resources found in their area.

Ms. Monnakgotla said their active participation would enhance tourism competitiveness and assist in increased awareness for tourism across the entire constituency.

Increased awareness for tourism, she said would also aid in creating more job opportunities and bring about socio-economic benefits to the constituency and the country at large.

She further urged residents especially the youth to engage in poultry production to meet the increasing demands in the constituency and beyond. Moreover, she encouraged both prominent and aspiring farmers to double their efforts in small stock production, and ensure that they consistently supplied the upcoming Tsabong multi-species abattoir.

On other issues, she informed the constituents that though their constituency had been besieged by shortage of nurses and doctors the Ministry of Health and Wellness had promised to avail nurses and doctors in January and February and that some clinics would be upgraded in the next financial year.

For his part, Kgosi Bojosi Motshoge III of Tshane implored communities to put their political differences aside, unite and support their newly elected area MP for enhanced advocacy for more developments in their constituency.

He also pleaded with the legislator to ensure prudent use of constituency funds and proper planning of projects so as to curb the rise of investing in projects likely to turn into ‘white elephants.’

In her briefing, Tshane Village Development Committee Chairperson, Ms. Floridah Mothibi appealed to the MP to follow up on the renovation of Tshane Police Station and the upgrading of the Matsheng showground.

In their comments regarding the water situation in the Matsheng area, one of the residents Mr. Ofentse Kgogobi of Tshane proposed that a water feasibility study be conducted regarding the alleged contaminated underground water points.

He said the outcomes of the study could inform the construction of a treatment plant.

Mr. Kgogobi said the study could be adopted as a short term strategy, to address the water crisis in the area, while waiting for the court’s verdict on the Ncojane–Matsheng water master plan tender.

Mr. Eric Raphuti of Lehututu also proposed that youth projects should not be limited to traditional business models such as small stock, poultry, and piggery but be upgraded to accommodate the changing modern world businesses such as forex trading and affiliate marketing.

On other issues, constituents decried about killings of their livestock by wildlife animals especially foxes, which they said were not covered in the Wildlife compensation Act.

They requested for Tsabong-Hukuntsi –Ncojane road to be tarred and that their sub-district should be upgraded to a fully-fledged district.

They requested the MP to investigate further on the uncertainties regarding brigades course outlines.

For his part, Hukuntsi Principal Wildlife Officer, Mr. Ernest Madimabe urged farmers to take care of their livestock at all times to guard against predators such as foxes.

He also cautioned them not to kill wild animals without cause and also implored them to familiarise themselves with the Wildlife Act, to avoid being caught up on the wrong side of the law

In his closing remarks, Lokgwabe/Tshane ward Councillor, Mr. Paul Cooper, said Tshane and Lokgwabe population had grown, warranting for the village to have its own representative at the council.

He also pleaded with the area MP to advocate for subsidized loans for agricultural projects financed by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, CEDA and other institutions following the recent droughts.