A Botswana judge has ruled that Bushmen who returned to their lands in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are not allowed to drill wells for water. The decision condemns them to having to walk up to 380 km to fetch water in one of the driest places on earth.

Tourists to the reserve staying at Wilderness Safaris’ [ http://www.survivalinternational.org/about/wilderness-safaris?utm_source=E-news+%28English%29&utm_campaign=2157542869-E_news_special_Bushmen_ruling7_22_2010&utm_medium=email ] new lodge, however, will enjoy use of a swimming pool and bar, while Gem Diamonds’ planned mine in the reserve can use all the water it needs – on condition none is given to the Bushmen.

Bushman spokesman Jumanda Gakelebone said, ‘If we don’t have water, how are we expected to live?’

Please write to Botswana’s President Ian Khama at op.registry@gov.bw expressing your outrage. If the e-mail bounces, you can write a paper letter using our easy online tool [ http://www.survivalinternational.org/actnow/writealetter/bushmen?utm_source=E-news+%28English%29&utm_campaign=2157542869-E_news_special_Bushmen_ruling7_22_2010&utm_medium=email ].

Forward this e-mail to a friend [ http://us1.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=b14580b05b832fb959c4ee444&id=2157542869&e=419c89341f ].

Survival International
6 Charterhouse Buildings
LONDON
UK EC1M 7ET
T +44 (0)207 687 8700
info@survivalinternational.org

Survival International USA
2325 3rd Street, Suite 413
San Francisco
CA 94107
USA
T +1-415-503-1254
info.usa@survivalinternational.org

Survival International Italia
Via Morigi 8
20123 Milano
Italy
T +39 02 890 0671
F +39 02 890 0674
info@survival.it

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s) and not do necessarily reflect the views of the AfricaFiles' editors and network members. They are included in our material as a reflection of a diversity of views and a variety of issues. Material written specifically for AfricaFiles may be edited for length, clarity or inaccuracies.

     top of page

 back to ACTION FOCUS page