06 Aug 2023

Plans are underway to make Maun’s number one water point, commonly known as Matlapana beach, a destination of choice.

Situated on the eastern side of the tourism town, Matlapana beach is back in full swing as the annual Okavango floods have recently reached the Thamalakane River.

Matlapana Development Trust chairperson, Mr Baphutholodi Kgari disclosed that there are plans to develop the area and manage it in a controlled and safe manner, while providing maximum benefit to the wider Maun community.

“We intend to fence the place and come up with strategies which will promote controllable and moderated recreational activities in the area.

Whatever development we undertake will not tamper with the scenery and the natural beauty of the place because we want it to remain attractive as it is, and we will ensure that visitors do not litter the place,” Mr Kgari said.

He stated that various companies had been approached for financial assistance since it is intended that the facelift should be complete before the festive season.

Mr Kgari pointed out that the Trust was open to meeting companies with business ideas for the area.

He was hopeful that the beach would open doors for the Trust to venture into other tourism projects adding that they had engaged mokoro operators at the place and allowed them to continue with their excursions, while paying a fee to the Trust.  

He also noted that they would work closely with law enforcement agencies and business operators in the locality to ensure peace and safety, adding that they were aware of complaints raised by people residing along the river about noise from some businesses.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kgari disclosed that the Trust has secured P1 million from Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) to construct a botanical garden along the river bank next to the beach.

Mr Kgari explained that the garden would be a recreational park aimed at preserving, conserving and ensuring sustainable utilisation of natural and cultural resources within the area for the benefit of the Matlapana community.

He explained that the area would offer a prime riverfront ecological experience in the form of picnic facilities, outdoor activities, camping sites and a swimming area. ENDS