25 Apr 2016

Lobatse Town Council has adopted a motion that requested the council to stop blue buffalo grass cutting in some areas in Lobatse to allow it to recuperate. 

Presenting his motion on Friday, Tsopeng North councillor, Mr Gofaone Kedise,  said the blue buffalo grass was found in Lobatse only and studies showed that it was planted by the former Woodhall farmers some years ago.

He said the grass, which was scientifically known as Cenctrius Ciliaris, had historical significance as it was mainly used as a permanent pasture but it could also be used for making hay and silage for feeding animals during drought seasons.

Councillor Kedise argued that the grass had high nutritional value content similar to that of lucerne.

He also pleaded with the council to monitor Ipelegeng employees from cutting it, as it was already facing extinction.

He said due to frequent cutting, the grass failed to flower and only the reeds had remained but it was found that, the grass took long to re-emerge.

Furthermore, Councillor Kedise said, it had come to his attention that some people earned a living through selling its seeds into neighbouring countries.

He said if the grass could be preserved, it could have a lot of benefits to the cattle farming sector as well as adding value to the economy of the country.

Wood Hall councillor, Mr Molaodi Mantle, supported the motion saying the new grass species could benefit Lobatse.

He implored the house to approve the motion as the grass could be of good use to farmers during drought seasons as the country continued to experience low rainfall in different parts of the country.

Lobatse mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger indicated the motion had been adopted and consequently directed to the relevant authorities for action. ENDS