Agitated Hatsalatladi residents demand concrete steps after unhelpful report
Residents of Hatsalatladi are anxiously waiting for the government to provide a concrete plan on their future after the Botswana Geoscience Institute finally presented its long-awaited findings on the dangerous ground fissures in their village.
The report came after villagers loudly complained that government was seemingly dragging its feet on the matter.
They wondered why it was taking so long for Geoscience Institute to provide answers crucial for determining a way forward, some even hinting that they had heard that the report was allegedly ‘empty.’
When the report, which was compiled over two years, was finally presented, it left residents further confused and without answers, confirming their ‘no solution’ fears.
The report provided scientific explanations on the cause and spread of the fissures with no clear recommendations on what should happen next.
Villagers expressed disappointment, arguing that the government came to them without answers.
They wondered why they were given a report that detailed the problem but did not offer direct solutions or guidance on whether they should remain in the area or be relocated.
During the presentation, Thuso Akanyang from the Geoscience Institute explained that the team had used advanced geological assessments, including satellite imagery and underground scanning, to determine the extent of the cracks.
Their findings showed that the fissures were caused by shifting rock formations beneath the surface, which moved and expanded after heavy rainfall.
The report mapped the affected areas into three risk categories: high-risk (red), medium-risk (yellow), and low-risk (green).
However, residents rejected the technical classifications, arguing that the mere mention of “risk” meant their lives were in danger.
“We do not care how they have categorised the risk levels. The fact remains that we are at risk, and we cannot wait until something tragic happens before action is taken,” a resident stated.
Many demanded immediate evacuation, saying they had lost trust in the ground beneath their feet.
They also raised concerns about the safety of their homes and infrastructure, questioning whether it was wise to continue living in an area where the earth could shift at any time.
During the meeting, Minister of State Presidency Moeti Mohwasa faced tough questions from the community. The villagers told him they were tired of waiting and needed immediate intervention.
In response, Mohwasa assured them that the government would return to Hatsalatladi on Friday 7th February 2025, with clear answers on their future.
In preparation for this crucial meeting, the people of Hatsalatladi gathered at the kgotla on Monday to strategise and ensure their concerns would be addressed.
Their message is clear: they want decisive action that guarantees their safety and security.
“We have prepared well for them, the meeting went accordingly on Monday, Kgosi Sakie Gabaamotse of Hatsalatladi village, said.
As the Friday meeting approaches, tension is rising as residents are eager to hear whether the government will meet their demands or leave them in uncertainty.
Meanwhile Akanyang has dismissed widespread claims that suggest that the earth cracks in Hatsalatladi could be linked to talks that Africa is splitting into two and forming a new ocean.
“What we have here is totally different, it is nothing close to reports we are hearing about Africa splitting,” Akanyang said.
The report came after villagers loudly complained that government was seemingly dragging its feet on the matter.
They wondered why it was taking so long for Geoscience Institute to provide answers crucial for determining a way forward, some even hinting that they had heard that the report was allegedly ‘empty.’
When the report, which was compiled over two years, was finally presented, it left residents further confused and without answers, confirming their ‘no solution’ fears.
The report provided scientific explanations on the cause and spread of the fissures with no clear recommendations on what should happen next.
Villagers expressed disappointment, arguing that the government came to them without answers.
They wondered why they were given a report that detailed the problem but did not offer direct solutions or guidance on whether they should remain in the area or be relocated.
During the presentation, Thuso Akanyang from the Geoscience Institute explained that the team had used advanced geological assessments, including satellite imagery and underground scanning, to determine the extent of the cracks.
Their findings showed that the fissures were caused by shifting rock formations beneath the surface, which moved and expanded after heavy rainfall.
The report mapped the affected areas into three risk categories: high-risk (red), medium-risk (yellow), and low-risk (green).
However, residents rejected the technical classifications, arguing that the mere mention of “risk” meant their lives were in danger.
“We do not care how they have categorised the risk levels. The fact remains that we are at risk, and we cannot wait until something tragic happens before action is taken,” a resident stated.
Many demanded immediate evacuation, saying they had lost trust in the ground beneath their feet.
They also raised concerns about the safety of their homes and infrastructure, questioning whether it was wise to continue living in an area where the earth could shift at any time.
During the meeting, Minister of State Presidency Moeti Mohwasa faced tough questions from the community. The villagers told him they were tired of waiting and needed immediate intervention.
In response, Mohwasa assured them that the government would return to Hatsalatladi on Friday 7th February 2025, with clear answers on their future.
In preparation for this crucial meeting, the people of Hatsalatladi gathered at the kgotla on Monday to strategise and ensure their concerns would be addressed.
Their message is clear: they want decisive action that guarantees their safety and security.
“We have prepared well for them, the meeting went accordingly on Monday, Kgosi Sakie Gabaamotse of Hatsalatladi village, said.
As the Friday meeting approaches, tension is rising as residents are eager to hear whether the government will meet their demands or leave them in uncertainty.
Meanwhile Akanyang has dismissed widespread claims that suggest that the earth cracks in Hatsalatladi could be linked to talks that Africa is splitting into two and forming a new ocean.
“What we have here is totally different, it is nothing close to reports we are hearing about Africa splitting,” Akanyang said.
