20 Jan 2013

Indiscriminate disposal of used nappies remains a challenge in Letlhakane and surrounding areas.

A resident of Letlhakane, Mr Gaboemelwe Samaseko aired his discontentment during a kgotla meeting addressed by Boteti South MP, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake on Friday. He appealing to health authorities to take the necessary steps towards a clean and healthy environment.

He said indiscriminate dumping of used nappies endangered human life, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment. In response, Boteti Sub-district economic planner, Mr Frank Dexter concurred with Mr Samaseko that disposal of used nappies was a challenge in Boteti

 Mr Dexter said the sub-district health planning committee had taken necessary steps to mitigate the problem. He said in 2012, the committee purchased 27 dustbins which were to be strategically placed at designated areas to be specifically used for dumping of used nappies.

 However, Mr Dexter said the committee did not consult with residents and as such the project failed.

Therefore, Mr Dexter asked for pardon from the community but further stressed that illegal and indiscriminate dumping of waste was not tolerated.  He appealed to the community to act accordingly and ensure that the environment was well looked after.

Mr Mokalake, who is also lands and housing minister, had also shared his displeasure over indiscriminate dumping of used nappies indicating that livestock was likely to feed on used nappies and get infected with measles. This, he said would impact negatively on the beef industry.

Mr Mokalake said Botswana was fortunate as it was the only country importing cattle to EU market from communal areas. He therefore appealed to farmers and the community to work together to protect the beef industry. ENDS