The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources on Friday celebrated the Letlhafula Day, the occasion to appreciate the rich culture and value of the traditional food.
The celebration is a symbol of worship and appreciation to God for providing good rainy season that bolstered bumper harvests.
The Department of Water Affairs Head Quarters traditional Kgotla premises were fully covered with different traditional attires (German print) and traditional decorations, including music and traditional cuisine (to revive culture of eating indigenous health food).
The Department of Water Affairs initiated the celebration of Letlhafula in May 2006 and this was the 4th celebration this year. The celebration was initiated as an answer to Vision 2016’s articulation of economic diversification. It calls for the country to improve food security, rural employment and incomes under semi-arid environment like Botswana. It also calls for efficient use of human resources and management skills required for self sufficiency in food manufactured products.
Letlhafula was initiated to encourage employees and friends to embark on farming with a view to minimize reliance on diamonds revenues and imported food products. Speaking at the celebration, Permanent Secretary, MMEWR, Mr. Gabaake G. Gabaake said “we want to encourage the use of culture in our management because people still respect it and it brings good relationship between the employees”.
For her part Mrs Serumola, Head of Water Quality and Conservation Division, led the tour to wastewater re-use innovations projects as part of their water conservation initiative. The first project during the tour was the Constructed Wetland System designed to treat waste water generated by mainly toilets system. The treatment is done in two folds. After the constructed wetland treatment waste water can be used to irrigate citrus plants and maize .This wetland utilize natural agents such as aquatic plants and river sand to remove undesirable chemicals and micro organisms.
The other treatment uses the reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology, which treats water to drinking quality standard and can be used for irrigation of restricted crops like spinach and lettuce, which can be eaten raw.
The ceremony was graced by His Excellency The President, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Minister Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Kgosi Puso Gaborone and other senior government officials.
Metsi Chorale and the Thothi Dance group provided entertainment.
