Outrage as Botswana Bushmen denied water rights

We’ve just received this press release from Survival and I’m asking our readers to write to Botswana’s President Ian Khama at op.registry@gov.bw expressing your outrage. If the e-mail bounces (It did when I tried), you can write a paper letter using Survival’s easy online tool which can be found at www.www.survivalinternational.org

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’ 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 let the President know what yiou think of the Judge’s immoral judgement. Don’t think your letter won’t count – the more international pressure is put on the President, the more he is likely to respond in a positive matter.