The initiative to establish a buffer along Botswana's international border has been halted because of insufficient funding, according to acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti. This project, which began in May 2024, was aimed at securing the entire perimeter of Botswana's borders with neighboring countries, particularly focusing on the Molopo area. The objective was to enhance the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while addressing various risks involving border management.

Dr. Dikoloti highlighted during a parliamentary session that the land adjacent to the international boundary holds considerable importance not just economically, but also socially for the people of Botswana, known as Batswana. The absence of a proper buffer has led to challenges in managing borders effectively, impacting critical elements such as security patrols, control of animal diseases, surveillance against cross-border crimes, and community access to vital resources like rivers.

The halt in this border management project comes at a crucial time, especially with the looming threat of Foot and Mouth Disease, which has prompted calls for urgent mitigation efforts against this lingering colonial-era issue where land allocations occurred without due consideration for contemporary needs. The situation underscores the significant need for resource allocation to address these concerns effectively and ensure the nation's borders are properly managed and protected.