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Land management

Land Survey Records Approval

Overview

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services is responsible for approving land survey records produced by registered land surveyors to form part of the required supporting documentation for registering land leases and Title Deeds. Survey records include ,but are not limited, to survey diagrams and general plans. To receive approval, these records must be submitted to the Department of Surveys and Mapping (DSM).

Who is eligible?

Only Registered Land Surveyors under Section 6 of the Land Survey Act may submit land survey records for quality approval by the Department of Surveys and Mapping.

How do I get this service?
  • Submit the survey records to be approved along with all supporting documentation and the prescribed fee to the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping located in Gaborone or Francistown 
  • The DSM officer will issue a survey record number to the record
  • Survey records will go through the process of examination and approval
  • Once approved or rejected, the Surveyor will be notified to come collect it or it can be sent by mail
What supporting documents are required?
  • Survey field book.
  • Copies of diagrams and general plans.
  • Plot lease document.
  • Working plan
  • Consistency data and Coordinate List
  • Planning permission in case of subdivisions and consolidations
  • Approved layout plans for General Plans
How long will this service take?

After all documentation has been submitted to the office of Surveys and Mapping, it is expected that diagrams for single plots will be processed within four working days, while General Plans will be processed within 30 working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

For more information, contact one of the office listed below during their business hours. Opening hours are from 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. 

Please note that land survey records can only be submitted to the offices in Gaborone or Francistown.

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P/Bag 0037

Plot 1285 Station Road 

Gaborone

Botswana

Phone: (+267) 3623200 

Fax: (+267) 3952704 

Email: msmadibela [at] gov.bw

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P.O Box 697 

Plot 252 Francistown 

Old BGI Complex 

Francistown

Botswana

Phone: (+267) 2412261 

Email: omolobeng [at] gov.bw

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P. O. Box 24 

Plot 2719 Selibe Phikwe Industrial

Selebi Phikwe

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 2610438

Fax: (+267) 2614245

Email: mleinane [at] gov.bw

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P. O Box 74 

Airport Road

Maun

Botswana

Phone: (+267) 6860272

Fax: (+267) 6860993

Email: imauano [at] gov.bw

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

There is a fee of BWP50.00 per plot for single plot surveys, BWP100.00 per sheet for layout plans and BWP5.00 per plot therein payable by cash, cheque or adjustment voucher at the offices listed below

Ministry submitting this Service

Certified Copy of a Title Deed

Overview

Registered owners or holders of a title deed to a property may request a replacement of the floating copy of the Title Deed.

Who is eligible?

Any registered owners of a title deed to a parcel of land may apply for a replacement certified copy of the Title Deed. 

How do I get this service?
  • Registered land owners must place the following minimum number of advertisements:
    • One(1) advertisement in the Botswana Government Gazette
    • One(1) advertisement a week for two consecutive weeks (i.e. one advertisement in each week) in the newspaper which circulates in the same area as the parcel of land in question
    •  Templates of the advertisements required are available at the office of the Registrar of Deeds.
  • At least three(3) weeks after the last of the advertisements above have been published, the registered owner or holder must submit the following documents to the office of the Registrar of Deeds in person or by conveyancer (a conveyancer is an attorney who has been admitted as such by the High Court of Botswana).  These forms are also available at the office of the Registrar of Deeds;
    • Application for a certified copy of a lost Title Deed (Request Form). ("A")
    • Affidavit in terms of Regulation 46(1) ("B")
What supporting documents are required?

The following documents are required; 

  • Copies of advertisements in local papers (2 separates adverts) and the Botswana Government Gazette
  • An Affidavit in terms of Regulation 46(1) ("B") (available at the deeds offices) in which the registered owner identifies themselves as the individual to whom the title deed belongs. It is in this affidavit that:
    • The applicant must describe the deed
    • State that the deed has not been pledged or detained by anyone as security
    • That it has actually been lost or destroyed
    • That should the deed (floating copy) be found, it shall be surrendered to the Registrar of Deeds
  • Application for a certified copy of a lost Title Deed (Request Form) ("A"), available at the deeds offices
How long will this service take?

When registered owners come to Deeds Office in person they are assisted that same day. If they send their request through conveyancers the process will take five(5) working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

For properties South of Dibete, including the districts of Ghanzi and Kgalagadi:


Deeds Registry Gaborone
Government Enclave
Attorney General's Chamber
Ground and First Floor
Private Bag 0020
Gabarone 
Botswana

For properties North of Dibete (Dibete included):


Deeds Registry Francistown
Plot 252/2567, Old BGI Building
Private Bag F283
Francistown
Botswana

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Copies made at BWP1.00 per page.

Ministry submitting this Service

Beacon Showing

Overview

Owners of State Land (allocation by Department of Lands or Council - SHHA) may request that the boundaries of their property be re-identified and the beacons that mark these boundaries be shown to them.

Who is eligible?

Plot owners of State Land or their authorised representative are eligible to receive this service once free of charge. Any subsequent requests will incur a fee.

How do I get this service?
  • The Application Form that applies to this Service is "Application Form for Showing of Lost Beacons". Please download and complete the Application Form by clicking Beacon Relocation Form.
  • If you have downloaded the form to complete, please then send the completed form together with the supporting documentation by mail, fax or email to the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping in Gaborone, Francistown, Selebi Phikwe or Maun. Contact information is provided below.
  • If this is not the first time you have been shown the beacons for your plot, pay a deposit to the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping and obtain a receipt for the payment.
  • The plot beacons will be re-identified and you will be contacted to set an appointment to be shown the beacons on your plot.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Offer letter from Department of Lands or Councils /Title Deed
  • Proof of payment from Department of Lands or Councils
  • National Identity Card (Omang)
  • Passports (non-citizens only)
  • Letter of authorisation if not owner, accompanied by certified copy of owner’s ID and authorised person’s ID
How long will this service take?

After all documentation has been received, it is expected that an appointment to be shown the boundary beacons will be made within the following timeline from date of application:

 

Area

Time taken for beacon showing

 

Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi Phikwe

Three (3) working days

 

Jwaneng, Lobatse and Sowa

Five (5) working days

 

Gantsi and Kasane

Ten (10) working days

Where can I obtain this service?

For more information or to request this service, please contact the offices listed below. Opening hours are from 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P/Bag 0037

Plot 1285 Station Road 

Gaborone

Botswana

Phone. (+267) 3623200 

Fax. (+267) 3952704 

Email. msmadibela [at] gov.bw

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P.O Box 697 

Plot 252 Francistown 

Old BGI Complex

Francistown

Botswana

Phone. (+267) 2412261  

Fax. (+267) 2414295

Email. oteseletso [at] gov.bw; lekololo [at] gov.bw

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P.O. Box 24 

Plot 2719 Selibe Phikwe Industrial

Selebi Phikwe

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 2610438

Fax: (+267) 2614245

Email: mleinane [at] gov.bw; rnamayammu [at] gov.bw

 

Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services

Department of Surveys and Mapping

P.O Box 74 

Airport Road

Maun

Botswana

Phone. (+267) 6860272

Fax. (+267) 6860993

Email: imauano [at] gov.bw; omolelekwane [at] gov.bw

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The Department of Surveys and Mapping will show first time applicants their plot beacons once at no charge. Any subsequent showings will be charged a fee of BWP600.00 deposit (a minimum of three hours at a rate of BWP200.00 per hour) with an extra BWP200.00 for every hour beyond. This fee is to be paid by cash or cheque.

Ministry submitting this Service

Allocation of Tribal Land

Overview

Citizens  may apply for un-allocated tribal land in any tribal territory/area in Botswana. Allocation of the land is administered by the twelve (12) Main Land Boards of the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services and their forty one (41) Subordinate Land Boards. Applicants who are granted land will receive a Certificate of Customary Grant as evidence of their right to the land specified.

Who is eligible?

All citizens of Botswana aged 18 years and over are eligible to apply for available tribal land in any tribal territory or area in Botswana.

How do I get this service?
  • Where a waiting list exists plots, will be allocated to applicants who qualify for allocation or and when there is land available for allocation, citizens will be informed by the Land Boards through advertising on local media and through public forums such as Kgotla meetings. These announcements will include details on the land that is available and the period when applications will be accepted.
  • Complete the (MLH).Land Application Form - Application for customary Land Rights Form and submit the completed form along with the required supporting documentation (as listed below) to the appropriate Land Board or Sub Land Board office during the period specified in the announcement. 
  • Applicants will be informed of the result of their application by mail or telephone.
What supporting documents are required?

Certified copy of a valid National Identity Card (Omang).

How long will this service take?

The allocation process will be complete within three (3) months of the date of the land becoming available for allocation.

Where can I obtain this service?
  • Contact any Land Board or Sub Land Board offices or
  • Call the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services Toll Free Number 0800 600 737
  • Opening hours: 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

No fees

Ministry submitting this Service

Allocation of State Land

Overview

This is a service where citizens of Botswana may apply, purchase or lease un-allocated urban land in different areas of Botswana. Allocation of land is administered by the Department of Lands under the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services. Applicants who are allocated land through outright purchase will be granted a title deed as evidence of their right upon payment of the plot purchase price. Where land is allocated on a lease basis, a memorandum of lease agreement will be entered into between the Government and the allottee.

Multi-family residential and non-residential plots are advertised in the following media:

  • Botswana Government Gazette
  • The Daily News.
  • Privately owned newspapers
Who is eligible?
  • Citizens 18 years and above
  • Batswana owned companies

Residential plots are allocated through a waiting list process through the State Land Integrated Management System (SLIMS). However, defective residential plots are disposed through tendering process.

How do I get this service?

Applicants must complete and submit the Residential Application Form to the Department of Lands. (Receipt of applications for residential plots in state land is currently suspended). 

 

The Department of Lands will then issue an application reference number and the application will be placed on the SLIMS waiting list.

  • When plots are available, selected applicants will be issued with provisional offer letters and must then provide proof of their ability to purchase and develop the plot within prescribed time. 
  • Applicants are responsible for informing the Department of Lands of any changes in their personal details and contact information.
  • For non-residential plots, the tender document will detail the terms and conditions of purchase or leasing.
  • Non-Citizens and foreign owned entities may apply through the investment facilitation agencies like Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Selebi-Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) or Sectoral Ministries such as the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security.
What supporting documents are required?

The following documents are required for residential plot applications:

  • ​​Certified copy of a valid National Identity Card (Omang).

The following documents are required for non-residential plot applications:

A completed tender proposal in line with the specifications found in the advertisements

How long will this service take?

6 months when land is available

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Type of Plot

Residential Plots

Commercial Plots

Industrial Plots

 

High Density(multi- family residential

Upper Income

Lower Income (SHHA)

Local Centres & Multi-purpose

Road Only Served

Road & Rail Served

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaborone

350.00

70.00

22.00

500.00

350.00

400.00

Francistown

250.00

70.00

22.00

450.00

350.00

 

Lobatse

250.00

50.00

22.00

350.00

300.00

 

Selibe- Phikwe

 

70.00

16.00

200.00

150.00

200.00

Jwaneng

150.00

50.00

16.00

200.00

300.00

 

Kasane

120.00

70.00

16.00

300.00

200.00

 

Ministry submitting this Service

Planning Permission

Overview

All land development projects must go through the planning permission process and receive approval from Ministry of Local Government Planning authorities before they can begin.The application will be reviewed by the local authority and may involve consultation with other authorities or ministries depending on the nature of the proposal. After such review the application will be taken to the Physical Planning committee for a decision.

Appeals of decisions by the Planning Authorities may be filed with the Land Tribunal.

Land development projects but are not limited to:

  • Developments which conform to the Development Plan and Development Control Code as established by local Planning Authorities;
  1. residential
  2. commercial
  3. industrial
  4. civic and community
  5. recreation and open space
  6. mixed use
  7. Changes of land use;
  • Subdivisions;
  1. Tree preservations and special buildings preservation;
  2. Change of land use; and
  3. Display of advertisement signs
Who is eligible?

Applications are only accepted from the owners of the property to be developed or their authorized representative.

How do I get this service?
  • Complete and submit the application form for planning permission, submit with supporting document in person at the office of the planning authority responsible for the area/settlement where the development is to take place.
  • You will be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Physical Planning Committee of the local authority regarding the decision made regarding the application.
  • Applications for planning permission are submitted through the planning authority operating in the area/settlement where the development of land is to take place. Depending on the type of application, consultation with other agencies such as the Water Utilities Corporation, Botswana Power Corporation, Department of Environmental Affairs or the Department of Surveys and Mapping may be necessary prior to submitting to the Planning Authority.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Proof of land ownership e.g. Certificate, Title Deed or Lease
  • Copy of a valid National Identity card (Omang) for citizens
  • Passport (non-citizens)
  • Location map
  • Site plan and other sketches and diagrams
How long will this service take?

 One (1) month

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

  • The fees, payable in cash, point of sales card, or certified cheques(pre-approved entities only)vary per local authority and type of development proposed.
  • Please speak to the appropriate Planning Authority regarding fees. 
Ministry submitting this Service
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