The acting minister of Botswana's Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, recently addressed Parliament regarding comprehensive reforms in land administration. He emphasized a shift in focus from merely increasing the number of land plots to ensuring that land is economically viable and properly managed. The acknowledgment of deep-seated structural challenges stemmed from the inadequacies revealed during the '100,000 plots campaign'. Dr. Dikoloti pointed out that the success of land allocation hinges not only on numbers but also on key factors such as proper surveying, legal registration, and adequate infrastructure that can attract investment and entrepreneurship.

One of the critical issues highlighted is the financial and logistical hurdles that the current campaign has faced, particularly in locations like Metsimotlhabe, where costs have skyrocketed. The government expenditure reaching over P321,000 per plot raises concerns regarding sustainability and effective land utilization. This expenditure totals around P167 million to date, with significant amounts earmarked for cadastral surveys and plot verification processes.

The overarching goal of the reforms is not just to rectify existing failings but to pave the way for a more robust land management system that can facilitate economic growth and development in Botswana. The government's commitment to re-evaluating its approach to land allocation reflects a broader understanding of the need for a balanced framework that supports both individual land ownership and the collective interests of the economy as a whole.