24 Jul 2013

Tourism operators in Maun and surrounding area have welcomed the idea to forge partnership with government in maintenance of veterinary fence.

They said during a consultative meeting with the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Neil Fitt and some officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Since they were informed that the Ministry of Agriculture had been accountable for maintenance of the buffalo fence through provision of all the necessary resources, operators found nothing wrong to show their contribution and assist the government since they also benefitted from the fence.

They wanted to know the cost implications but were told that the government covered major costs. “If funds are available, there is no point of resistance”, said one of the operators.

They agreed to form a committee comprising of the operators representatives, delegates from all relevant ministries and departments so that they could work on the modalities and how to implement the partnership.

Earlier on, Mr Fitt informed the gathering that it was important to work on workable solutions for the Buffalo fence as it was a concern. He said for the past years, they had been receiving complaints and reports regarding the poor maintenance of the fence as there was free movement of animals hence the need to take a collective responsibility and work as a team towards the proper maintenance.

In addition he noted that some people complained of unclosed gates, how they were mannered and stressed the need to work together and see how best each party could help.

He said department of veterinary services had been making efforts to engage stakeholders to maintain the fence but at times they faced some challenges such as shortage of vehicles, lack of supervision and monitoring and floods.

Mr Fitt informed operators that the Ministry of Agriculture was willing to put money in for material and what they need is contribution, assistance in fitting of the fence and also monitoring.

The director of Veterinary Services, Dr Letlhogile Modisa observed that his ministry feels a lot of responsibility around the delta as the fence serve two purposes being controlling of Foot and Mouth Disease and also keeping cattle out of the delta. “We have a major contribution in conservation of the delta and flora and we are adamant that we do not want cattle in the delta. You benefit a lot as we make the delta intact”, he added

He said they also contributed in eradication of Tsetsefly adding that they are now comfortable as there is no risky of any sickness. Dr Modisa hoped that through their partnership, they could come up with interventions that would ensure the 300km infrastructure becomes intact.

He also pointed out that they have been using prisoners to assist in the maintenance and supervision and monitoring had remained a challenge.

The director of Wildlife and National Parks, Dr Oduetse Koboto said as operators they should be seen taking the lead in implementing the partnership. He said they need a different approach as they government is doing a lot and sometimes had limitations. ENDS