24 Oct 2016

Some residents of Somelo who lost their livestock due to thirst have called on the government to compensate them.
Residents noted that their cattle, donkeys and horses died due to frequent breakdown of the borehole which supplies their livestock with water.
It was reported that more than 100 cattle, over 70 donkeys and horses died due to severe thirst.
Residents benefited from the Rural Area Development Programme (RADP) where individuals were assisted with five cattle and 15 goats.
In an interview, Kgosi Mokutshwane Komee described the situation as bad and called for urgent attention saying people would end up empty handed and destitute despite government efforts to improve the living standards of the communities far from services.
He said it had been weeks without water and efforts to contact the local council did not bring any good results as there was nothing being done at the moment.
Recently the North West District Council chairperson, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa and his entourage visited the area and they were informed about the situation and it was attended immediately but a breakdown has occurred again.
Kgosi Komee said the borehole was old hence the frequent breakdown and wished the council could connect the one donated by Khoemacau mine to complement it.
The village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Kebitse Kamandaku said due to lack of water, the cattle were becoming a menace damaging property, looking for water.
He said they damaged water stand taps and Jojos in homes and some government buildings. He concurred with Kgosi that if the council could connect the borehole that was donated by the mine it would arrest the situation.
Maun Administration Authority assistant council secretary, Mr Motshwariemang Matseka said they were aware of the situation and that the council was working round the clock to address it.
He assured residents that by next week things would be back to normal and urged residents to take good care of the borehole.
Mr Matseka said they had been bowsing 5000 litres of water to supply the residents’ livestock but expressed disappointment that the water was not adequate as they had realised that some residents were watering cattle from the nearby ranches.
He said the water bowsed was adequate to supply all livestock belonging to Somelo residents but they failed to control the situation hence leaving their livestock without water.
Regarding compensation, the assistant council secretary said there was no compensation for the lost livestock.
He said residents were given the livestock freely and it was unfortunate as some failed to look after them.
Asked about connecting the borehole donated by the mine, he said it was the council wish to do so but because of financial constraints it was impossible as of now. ENDS