11 Aug 2019

Residents have complained about the increasing number of stray animals around shopping complexes in Maun .

The resident expressed their frustrations during  a random interview recently.

Among the concerns was  that stray animals were often carriers of diseases, that could be transmitted from animals to people.

The stated that a high number of animals such as cattle, dogs, goats, horses and donkeys, which  were roaming freely often caused road accidents as well as causing havoc in nearby homesteads.

Other problems caused by such animals include worrying walkers and joggers, scavenging and noise pollution, especially at night.

As a tourism destination and a gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun should be clean and attractive, the residents opined.

The presence of stray and roaming animals on road sides and beaches, they said portrayed  an image of an uncaring society.

Members of the community called on the local authority to urgently address the issue as it could impact negatively on the local economy.

Kgosi Babinang Majatsie concurred that the situation was disturbing and called on the relevant authority to act accordingly.

He said Maun relied on a fickle tourism industry and any negative image could have serious economic consequences.

He said they once called on the council to impound all stray animals and treat them as matimela, but their calls were not answered.

Kgosi Majatsie said many road reserves had turned into kraals, especially at night making driving difficult.

Another resident, Mr Mosiako Bashe shared the same sentiments, saying that roaming and stray animals were a serious concern, which needed to be addressed urgently.

He said the council should roundup all the animals and treat them as matimela because they were making the village look untidy and unattractive.

Some hotel and lodge owners once complained that their visitors were concerned about the noise caused by cattle grazing along the river bank.

Meanwhile, in 2015 the district council constructed kraals where over 100 animals were collected 56 of which were claimed by owners.

It was also reported that 25 donkeys were also collected of which five were claimed.

The animals are usually kept for two weeks and if no one comes forward to claim them, the animals are treated as matimela.

The arrangement did not last as the council felt the pinch of taking care of the animals.

In an interview, senior assistant council secretary, Ms Mogomotsi Seemule explained that they had suspended the arrangement because of inadequate funds to care of the impounded animals.

Ms Seemule revealed that all the unclaimed animals were sold through matimela system.

She also indicated that some members of the community also decried lack of consultation, regarding the arrangement.  she said they to engage all other key stakeholders such as Veterinary Department to see how best they could jointly address the situation.

Asked if the arrangement was working for the council, she said the problem they experienced was late payment from owners after claiming their animals. ENDS