A slow-moving geological threat is reshaping parts of rural Botswana, forcing the government to halt land allocations, rethink infrastructure and warn of a
potential long-term environmental crisis.
Ground fissures, deep cracks opening across the landscape, are expanding in Hatsalatladi village in Molepolole North, raising fresh concerns about land stability, climate-linked risks and the future of settlement in vulnerable areas.
Responding to questions in parliament from Molepolole North MP Arafat Khan, the minister of lands and agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti, confirmed the government is aware of the growing phenomenon, which has already damaged homes and public infrastructure.
“These fissures are progressive in nature,” he said, linking them to tectonic activity beneath the earth’s crust, worsened by recent heavy rains.
While fissures are not new to Botswana, their apparent expansion is raising alarms among environmental planners. Similar incidents have been reported in Letlhakeng, Motshegaletau and Moshupa, suggesting a pattern of land instability across the country.
The fissures are already testing Botswana’s infrastructure resilience. A major road running near the village has required emergency engineering interventions after cracks appeared close to its alignment.
Preliminary studies conducted by the Botswana Geo-Science Institute have mapped Hatsalatladi into high, medium, and low-risk zones. But the long-term stability of the land remains uncertain.
This uncertainty has stalled development and left residents in limbo. Plot allocations in parts of northern Hatsalatladi have been suspended since 2020, with authorities unwilling to approve construction without further geotechnical evidence. Even now, development is only permitted in lower-risk areas, subject to costly, site-specific investigations.
For residents, the lack of clear timelines has deepened frustration. The government has acknowledged that approvals will be issued “in a phased and carefully managed manner”, but admitted it is not possible to say when land will be fully cleared for development.
Instead, the government is prioritizing safety over speed.
An inter-ministerial committee has been established to coordinate the national response, bringing together departments responsible for disaster management, land use, water, energy and local governance. Its work includes developing early warning systems and public education around geohazards.
The government has also earmarked more than P45m for expanded geological studies, including detailed investigations into poten tial relocation zones east of Hatsalatladi. The fissures are already testing Botswana’s infrastructure resilience. A major road running near the village has required emergency engineering interventions after cracks appeared close to its alignment. Trial repairs using geomembranes and geogrid reinforcement have stabilised sections of the road for now, but officials concede these are short- term fixes. In the longer term, relocation of the road to more stable ground may be necessary.
Despite this, Dikoloti told parliament that the proposed Rasesa, Lentsweletau, Mahetlwe, Hatsalatladi, Bothapatlou, Ngware, Diphuduhudu road project is not expected to be significantly affected, though its final route will depend on ongoing feasibility studies.
