The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. David Stimela, revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs has received numerous queries regarding the Revised Tribal Land Act Regulation Fee Schedule. Speaking at the North East District Special Full Council session on Wednesday, he addressed concerns about the proposed revision of the Tribal Land Act Regulations for 2022. Mr. Stimela acknowledged that the queries primarily centered around the revised charges. To address these concerns, the Ministry engaged with land boards to gather input and formulate fees that would be equitable for all stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of considering different rates based on locality, distinguishing between Prime Areas and Rural Areas, akin to the concept of property valuation. In addition, Mr. Stimela highlighted the need to factor in inflationary adjustments and policy objectives for the year. He proposed the establishment of a standing committee to review rates annually, with a focus on discouraging land transfers to foreigners. Several proposals were discussed, including the revision of the Advert Tender Document fee from P1,000 back to P500, with a reduced fee of P250 for youth, underprivileged individuals, women, and people with disabilities. For the transfer of undeveloped land, a proposed fee of P1,000 was suggested, down from the revised P3,000, responding to public outcry. Regarding transfer applications related to divorce, inheritance, and between spouses, fees were proposed at P200, while inheritance without a certificate or traditional leadership allocation would incur a P500 fee. For civic and community plots, the proposed fees varied based on land use, recognizing different types such as places of worship. Fees for non-profit-making entities like churches were reduced to 25 thebe per square meter per annum from the previous 55 thebe. In response to the proposed fees, Councillor Florah Mpetsane expressed concern that applying for land in Botswana equated to applying for poverty, putting people in perpetual debt. She argued that the cost recovery was exorbitant and suggested that local schools should pay a reduced amount. Councillor Molomo Maano proposed a reduction in transfer fees for plots from P3,000 to P200, citing financial constraints for the elderly and youth. He also suggested lower fees for ploughing fields or areas with animals to compensate for low animal destruction compensation, ensuring farmers could reap benefits from their fields.