The OCT, which covers Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa, holds the rights to two concessions, NG22 and NG23, making its revenues from sub-leasing these to photographic tourism investors.
No longer content with sitting on the sidelines, the Trust embarked on the hospitality project two years ago, utilising a scenic stretch of the wetlands, which will give tourists an authentic wilderness and cultural experience.
“I can assure you that we have 22 chalets already built and it’s just two that are being finalised now,” OCT chair, Marungu Tshotlo told Mmegi. “The project was due to be finalised by the end of January, but it was delayed because of the contractor and the state of the roads to transport material. “But now I can assure you that by the end of April, all the chalets will be done and handed over by the contractor.”
The facility will feature 12 chalets each with two beds and related amenities for tourists and other visitors. Unlike the Delta’s facilities where ecological sensitivities prevent commercial operators from building permanent structures, the trust’s control of the land means it has the latitude to include some brickwork in its construction, alongside canvas and other sustainable materials.
“We have NG22 and NG23 under different companies and that’s where we get our revenues from,” Tshotlo said. “We saw that it would be useful to develop this hotel which will bring revenues into our communities, because we cannot base on one thing for ever. “Doing this project will bring more benefits to our communities.”
The OCT chair said a contractor had been engaged to develop a Herbarium and cultural village in Eretsha, which will also diversify revenues for the community.
He also revealed that the OCT had intervened to stop the auction of Mbiroba Camp, a riverfront camp owned by Okavango Polers, which has fallen on hard times in recent years. In its heydays, Mbiroba was known as the “headquarters” for mokoro excursions by polers and their guests.
“Mbiroba camp was almost auctioned and we had to run around,” Tshotlo said. “It was given seven days before auction and we had to put our heads together with the chiefs in the area and lawyers to see how we could rescue it. “We could not let it go while we exist as OCT. “We sat down with them and we agreed that it should not be sold and we have an agreement for ten years.”
He said the OCT had engaged the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) in order to secure funding for the redevelopment of Mbiroba Camp.
“Right now, we are going to be redeveloping that area. “We are waiting for approval from the CTF to develop that area and help our youth get jobs. “We are just waiting for approval and once that happens we will resurrect that area, re-fence it, rebuild the chalets and help people get accommodation and others,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing debate around trophy hunting, Tshotlo said while the OCT derives its revenues from photographic tourism, the Trust was fully in support of neighbouring communities who survive on the hunting industry.
He said this season had particularly exposed communities dependent on agriculture, as whatever little crops attempted to grow in the drought were destroyed by marauding elephants while many cattle died due to an outbreak of tick disease.
“We are on both sides,” he explained. “If hunting can be allowed without being hampered, some people from our community can be engaged in that because they have the required skills. “Our people can get some benefits from that. “Almost 70% of the people in our area survive on agriculture but right now they are at their homes because the elephants have chased them from their fields.”
