23 Jul 2017

North West District Council secretary, Mr Charles Amos has informed councillors that his office in collaboration with the district commissioner will take up the issue of spilling sewerage at Shakawe Senior Secondary School.

The issue has been an eyesore to some councillors as they complained that the situation was out of control as the water from the sewage was now flowing into peoples’ homes.

They argued that the situation needed urgent attention as it poses a health hazard to the communities whose homes had been affected.

The council secretary assured theM that the issue would be discussed at the district development committee noting that it was worrisome as every session it came up.

“We will take it at the coordination level and ensure the situation is arrested and next session we would be able to give you a better response,” he added.

Earlier on one of the councillors, Cllr Lesedi Boy asked what the department of education was doing about the issue but the response was that two ministries of basic education and health and wellness are working round the clock to address it.  

It was reported that both ministries have entered into an agreement for shared use of the sewage facility as Shakawe Primary Hospital would be connected to the facility.

Both ministries intend to keep the sewage equipment functional and with regard to the current situation, it was said that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has agreed to repair and restore the equipment.

On other issues, cllr Gaopalelwe Ronald complained about livestock movement freeze in some areas in Okavango and wanted to know when the farmers would be allowed to move their cattle across zones.

The response given from Department of Agriculture was that the movement currently was not restricted as livestock could move freely within zones A, B, C and D but could not move into zone E because it is considered a protection zone.

He argued that the movement was frozen after some cattle from Namibia crossed into Botswana and wanted to know what was being done about the control fence between Namibia and Botswana since it was dilapidated and thus results in free movement of livestock across borders of the two countries.

But the response was that fence erecters are currently working on the fence and that the Department of Veterinary Services has engaged casual labourers to assist them.

The department also advised farmers to take the responsibility and make sure their animals do not cross into Namibia to avoid the risk of contracting diseases across the border.

With regard to cattle from Namibia that crossed to Botswana, an official from Agriculture, Mr Kenneth Mabote explained that there was an ongoing surveillance at the affected areas.

He appreciated that the issue affected movement of animals temporarily but stated that once the incubation period is complete, movement would be open.

Regarding the Somelo Treatment Plant’s evaporation lagoon fencing, councillors were informed that the tender evaluation for the fencing has been completed and awarding has been made.

The works are to commence over a period of three weeks. ENDS