23 Jan 2017

Maun Administration Authority deputy district commissioner, Ms Angelinah Leano has explained that the decision by Department of Veterinary Services to close  Kuke gate was due to financial constraints.

Kuke gate links Ngamiland and Ghanzi districts and some residents in Ngamiland residing along the fence had been using it to access services at Qabo settlement in the Ghanzi District which is nearer.

It was reported that the gate was closed last year December. In an interview, Ms Leano explained that the gate was closed because it was not used by many people and yet the government was incurring costs to post an officer at the gate and operate 24 hours.

Another reason she advanced was to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease as Ngamiland is a red zone while Ghanzi is a green zone and a back bone of the beef industry in the country.

“We weighed the costs and impacts and realiSed that the impacts are better as compared to costs incurred by the department,” she added.

Ms Leano noted that once Xorotsha settlement is established, she is optimistic that the gate would be open for use. She also stated that some suggestions were made to do a grid but later realised that the gate would not be used by livestock only but there is a possibility that some people might cross with meat.

Meanwhile, the decision to close the gate has caused an outcry as some residents complained during kgotla meetings addressed by MP for Ngami, Mr Thato Kwerepe that now they had to travel long distances to access services at Kuke and Kareng villages.

Residents also decried lack of consultation by relevant authorities.

For his part, the area MP who is also the Assistant Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kwerepe expressed disappointment in an interview regarding the decision.

He said the closure of the gate has disadvantaged residents to access services nearer and today they have to travel over 20km to get services.

“The relevant department could have shown the spirit of compassion as they are aware that the government services could not reach all. I appreciate the issue of financial constraints but the relevant ministry has to do something to assist the communities,” he added.

He called on the district commissioner to engage her counterpart in Ghanzi District and address the issue . ENDS