Environmental policy and administrative management

The Monoga Borehole Syndicate has 25 members who collectively keep up to 1000 livestock units. During 2008 the syndicate submitted a project proposal to GEF/SGP for assistance to excavate 10km of trenches to reticulate water from their borehole to individual member kraals. This proposal followed the assistance from the government through the Livestock Improvement and Management Infrastructure Development (LIMID) which had funded the syndicate with 50mm x 100m x 100 PVC pipes to take water to individual member kraals. GEF/SGP accepted to fund the labour input for trench excavation, perimeter fencing the water reservoir site and part rehabilitation for the reservoir. A total $7,169.00 was disbursed for that purpose. As of now the project has been able to excavate and lay all the pipes, roof the tank and erect the perimeter fence. All members are connected to the main reservoir and 10 are, watering their livestock from their kraals. The remaining 15 members are yet to connect. This is due the fact that the syndicate has decided that some reservoir (2,500 or 5,000 litres) and a trough are needed before water could be reticulated within each farm or cattle post. It was also agreed that those who have difficulty in obtaining a small reservoir and a trough should continue to water their livestock at the main watering place next to the main reservoir. Since some farmers continue to water their livestock from the borehole reservoir, cattle from other syndicates on the other side of Artesia village have free access to the borehole in search of water. The initial objective of relieving the borehole area of grazing pressure and to allow some time for rehabilitation is being frustrated somewhat. To correct this situation, the group membership agreed in their last syndicate meeting, to erect a 5km drift fence between the village and the borehole to keep all other livestock away from the Monoga borehole. This plan has been discussed with the Kgatleng Land board in previous meetings and consensus has already been reached. The syndicate is therefore pressing ahead with their plan to turn itself into a model from where others could copy. The Syndicate has also identified the need for assistance in the areas of water, livestock, range and project management. To this end a one day workshop to expose members to better management in these areas is also proposed.

Botswana