17 Jun 2014

Farmers at Kgotla, near Moshupa, have been applauded for using the Ipelegeng programme to construct a drift fence that would separate livestock from ploughing fields in their area.

The applaud came from the MP for Moshupa, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, via Councillor Ponatshego Tshiping of Moshupa Central, who emphasised that the farmers completed the project on time and within budget.

Ms Tshiping said although the farmers enjoyed monthly allowances to build the fence, they did not delay the project to prolong the benefits because the project belonged to them, not to anybody else.

She said the fence would reduce land use conflict between arable and pastoral farmers in the area; it would also give the farmers time to do other things instead of focusing on tending to their cattle. She also applauded the farmers for their spirit of self-help and unity that they exhibited throughout the 10-km journey, adding self-reliance, botho and unity of purpose gave rise to development.

Ms Tshiping called upon the Southern District Council to give Kgotla farmers another project to clear Moshupa-Kgotla road and expand Tamoentsho Dam. She said government spent a lot of money on Ipelegeng projects therefore urged Batswana to use the programme to improve the quality of their lives.

Unlike in many other areas where sand mining has left rivers bare and depleted, Ms Tshiping was happy that Kgotla farmers have also conserved the natural environment. According to Mr Tshephang Orekeng, Ipelegeng coordinator for Moshupa Sub-district, the project was completed three months before deadline.

Mr Orekeng congratulated the workers, who were predominantly farmers, for the self-drive they displayed through their willingness to work on weekends during the construction of the fence. He urged them to look after the fence for it to benefit them longer.

A resident, Mr Molemisi Koloi, said he was happy that the fence would not only block livestock from destroying crops but would keep them away from eating a poisonous mogau plant which was common in the area. ENDS