14 Jun 2016

The Ministry of Agriculture has engaged private veterinary officers for the annual vaccination of livestock.

The veterinary officers who go by the name “private bakenti” were individuals who were once employees of the department of veterinary services and had retired.

This also included graduates who studied livestock health related courses, but not yet employed.

Addressing private bakenti in Palapye recently, district agriculture coordinator Ms Fatina Makgethe said government had found it necessary to engage private bakenti to help vaccinate livestock on contract basis.

She said agriculture played an important role in the development of this country, hence government’s initiative to engage private veterinary officers to help improve the livestock industry.

She informed private bakenti to understand their role and work diligently to bring the expected results, adding that their role contributes to the agricultural business of the country.

She urged private bakenti to work diligently and with care to end livestock diseases in the country.

She also informed them that they are also expected to conduct registration and cattle census which is possible during the vaccination period.

She said cattle census is important to the government for development purposes, urging them to take correct and accurate livestock records because if not, their inaccuracy will affect government's decisions for development.

She informed private bakenti that some of the challenges they will meet in the field are challenges brought by farmers.

She said some farmers would not bring their cattle to be vaccinated whereas some would only bring few of their cattle.

In addition Ms Makgethe said in some instances farmers would bring their cattle to be vaccinated late, whereas some cattle owners would come at all.

Nevertheless, she emphasised the importance of accurate cattle registration.

Ms Makgethe implored employees of Veterinary Services department to pay private veterinary officers on time, adding that she is concerned about late payment yet funds are available.

She informed them that the government has entrusted them with responsibility of helping people thus should perform their duties as expected. 

A representative from Private Bakenti Mr Kachirwa Kangunde decried lack of cooperation with the administration at the Department of Veterinary Services.

He said it has been over nine months since some of them are still owed money but there is no explanation as to why they have not been paid.

In addition Mr Kangunde said the ministry should consider increasing their payment from four pula per cow to P10 since the equipment they use is expensive.

He also asked for the transportation of private veterinary officers as well as imprest. 

However he was informed that they have to provide their own transportation and in addition cannot be given imprest. ENDS