Gov’t launches Dams Tourism

SESUPO RANTSIMAKO

FRANCISTOWN: Government through the Botswana Tourism Board (BTO) and the Ministry of Environment Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, over the weekend, launched Shashe Dam developmental projects, a product of the Dams’ Tourism Master Plans developed in 2016.
Explaining the initiative which includes Thune and Letsibogo, Minister Tshekedi Khama said dams already attract people and have great potential as tourist attractions.
“We therefore came up with this initiative to create economic activities while on the other hand this will attract tourists,” he said. Khama urged Batswana to make use of the opportunity and venture into the tourism business. He encouraged those interested to approach Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) for assistance.
Other earmarked tourism developmental projects include the construction of lodges, camping sites, horse riding and fishing. Khama revealed that Shashe projects alone are expected to create 636 jobs and will boost the economy of Mandunyane village and its localities.
For his part the area MP Thapelo Olopeng thanked government for creating tourist attractions around the dams. “For many years people have been visiting this dam illegally leave garbage lying around. Therefore bringing this development to Shashe will curb this. Further it is a great opportunity of investment considering its proximity to the second city which has an airport that can be used by tourists,” he said.
He however challenged residents to appreciate the development and pleaded with them to understand that developments also come with their own challenges.