06 Feb 2017

Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse has said the 247km long cordon fence between Ngami land and Gantsi is not in a state of disrepair.

Responding to a question in Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, Mr Autlwetse however said there were some portions of the fence that needed major maintenance due to damage by elephants.

He also said the fence line had been divided into three sections, according to the level of the risks, adding that the 159 km Mokaukau to Kuke gate is a high risk fence and therefore given maximum maintenance attention hence its good condition.

The assistant minister said the 40 km fence between Kuke gate and Tsau gate is a medium risk.

“Although the fence is vandalised by elephants when they cross to their drinking pool in the CKGR, it is frequently attended to. Currently, my ministry is applying chilli pepper baits on the fence to deter the elephants,” he said.

Mr Autlwetse told Ntlo ya Dikgosi that there are also plans to place shade nets on the fence and leave passages for the elephants to pass.

He said the 48 km fence between Tsau gate and Dikhona is a low risk portion because ‘it is bordered by the CKGR on the Gantsi side and Haina veld game farms on the Ngamiland side.’

“This is because there are no cattle on both sides of the fence. However, this fence needs major maintenance,” he added.

Kgosi Justice Moseki of Gantsi had wanted to know if the minister was aware that the fence from Kuke to Kuke gate was in a bad state of disrepair and if so, the minister should state when he intends to have it repaired. ENDS