GABORONE - Operators of illegal guesthouses are not only robbing their clients of a good value for their money, but government might also be losing millions in unpaid taxes.

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Kitso Mokaila said in an interview that although he did not have the exact figures, chances are that illegal operators might be denying the country the much needed revenue, which could be used for the development of the country.

About 13 illegal guesthouses in Gaborone were on Tuesday raided following complaints from the clients who experienced problems in their tenancy.

Other than the considerations of lost tax revenue, there were fears that the operators were also flouting the labour laws and the minister was of the view that the employees could be working long hours and even underpaid.

Minister Mokaila said since the operators were not registered, it was difficult for the government to monitor their activities, saying the fact that guesthouses did not acquire licenses, did not mean the laws of Botswana should be trampled upon.

He said it was not expensive for the operators to acquire licenses even though he asserted that their applications to convert their land use from residential to commercial took a long time to be processed.

The minister said it was important for everyone to obey the law rather than to flout it on the basis of land applications taking time, adding his ministry and that of lands and housing were working together to alleviate the situation.

Minister Mokaila said some operations were being raided for the second time.

He said the licensing of guesthouses was meant to protect the consumers and to guarantee safety and health standards.

However, in their operations, they realised that although some of the premises were citizen owned, the guesthouses were operated by foreigners even though the business was reserved for citizens.

Minister Mokaila said he had proposed some amendments to the Tourism Act and the Botswana Tourism Board Act to have all tourism facilities graded and added that the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) had already prepared the standards for the grading exercise.

This, he said, would enable tourists to know what to expect from different grades (one to five star), according to the services offered and grading would help in monitoring the prices charged as some charge high prices while offering poor services.

Minister Mokaila said under the act, all operators would be required to at least attain a one star grade within a year of operation.

Illegal guesthouse operators are to be prosecuted accordingly and could be charged according to the Tourism Act, which could amount to either a fine or imprisonment or both. BOPA