18 Feb 2016

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia says the Karoga fence cannot be handed to farmers in its state until it has been re-built.

The minister said the fence encloses the cluster of fields in Parakarungu and was constructed to be an electric fence. “While installation of the electric fence was ongoing, wild animals destroyed it and its status is that it has to be re-built,” he said.

He noted that the amount paid to the contractor to date was P2 939 216 against P3 612 223 of the contract sum. Mr Ralotsia said the varied design of the fence rendered it vulnerable and that the ministry was working with other stakeholders to remedy the situation.

The MP for Chobe, Mr Ronald Shamukuni had asked the minister to update Parliament on the status of the Karoga fence at Parakarungu, and to state the amount that has been paid to the contractor to date. Mr Shamukuni also wanted the minister to state if he was satisfied with the quality of work rendered, and when the project would be completed and handed over to the Karoga Farmers Association. Ends