13 Apr 2016

Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia says rising incidents of measles detected in slaughtered cattle is a threat to the meat industry.

The MP, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, said when addressing kgotla meetings in Moshaneng, Mathubapula and Goora-Bome wards that 15 out of every 100 slaughtered cattle have been found to be infested with the disease.

“The disease is a result of cattle eating grass that has come in contact with human faeces,” he said. He therefore urged everybody to employ proper hygienic methods such as digging holes and covering up faeces after emptying the bowels in the bush.

On drought, the MP assured residents the Ministry of Agriculture is closely monitoring the situation and will swiftly advise government as and when necessary.

Residents in Moshana wanted to know whether or not government has in place measures to relieve them should the drought situation not subside.

Mr Ralotsia cited last year's government subsidised prices for livestock feeds and medicine as clear indicators of his ministry's readiness to make recommendations to government.

That withstanding, the MP told residents that the Economic Stimulus Programme, introduced to eradicate projects backlog following years of a hamstrung economy due to recession is also intended to create employment for Batswana.

On others, Mr Ralotsia reminded residents that as partners in development with government, they also needed to ensure there is accommodation for public servants.

Commenting, Mr Koobonye Petros complained about baboons and kudus that he said have destroyed his crops. ENDS