In Botswana, the Land Information System indicates that 687,486 individuals are eligible and awaiting land allocation according to the country's 2019 Land Policy. This significant figure highlights the considerable national demand for serviced and titled land, which has become a pressing issue for the government. During a recent parliamentary session, representatives expressed concern over the slow rate of land allocation and the backlog that has accumulated over time.

Assistant Minister Baratiwa Mathoothe addressed the parliamentary inquiry, acknowledging the ministry's awareness of the backlog in residential plot allocations. He pointed out that while a campaign aimed at allocating 100,000 plots was initiated, simply increasing the number of plots was not enough to solve the crisis. The allocation process is plagued by structural misalignments, including the coordination between land allocation, surveying, infrastructure development, and the production of Secure Land Titles (SLT). Such discrepancies complicate the efficient delivery of land to those in need.

Mr. Mathoothe emphasized that sustainable land delivery requires a comprehensive support system whereby allocations are accompanied by surveyed land that is infrastructure-aligned and legally registrable. This approach is essential to unlock both household benefits and economic value. The situation calls for urgent action from the government to streamline the process and meet the obligations set forth in the Land Policy to ensure timely land delivery to citizens.