28 Feb 2017

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama says he is not aware that farmers in Sepako, Manxotae and Maposa do not benefit from ploughing because of wild animals.

 Mr Khama told Parliament on February 27 that he was however aware of the destruction caused by wild animals in those areas and others.

He highlighted that the delay in compensation was caused by the limited financial allocation of funds that does not match the value of compensation. In addition, Minister Khama said ‘too often funds are depleted before all cases are compensated’ adding that they would do their best to always request for supplementaries where necessary.

Mr Khama said a policy on wildlife/human conflict is under review at all times, stating that a decision was taken by government in 2016 to pay extra gratia payment to people killed by wildlife.

He said the decision was approved with a retroactive date of July 1, 2015 and to date, five people had been fully paid at the rate of P50 000 and P20 000 each for funeral cover.

The minister said they had five outstanding payments to be made in April 2017.

MP for Nata Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga had asked the minister if he was aware that farmers in Sepako, Manxotae and Maposa do not benefit from ploughing because of wild animals.

Mr Majaga also wanted to know what were the causes for the delay of compensations, and if the minister would consider expediting the policy concerning wildlife and human conflict since a lot of people were not compensated after being injured or killed by wild animals. ENDS