28 Aug 2019

The increase in the number of elephants in the Serowe Sub-district has resulted in the destruction of the animal disease control fence erected by the Department of Veterinary Services in the Sese/Thalamabele area.

Addressing Serowe Administration Authority (SAA) sub-council session, chairperson, Mr Mpho Kooreme said elephants’ spores and stools had been identified in the area, leading to the belief that the damage to the fence was caused by the animals.

He said this had rendered the fence ineffective in disease control.

Mr Kooreme said they were also concerned about those who cut the fence at ungazetted points with the intention to smuggle stolen goods and livestock.

He however said maintenance of the fence was ongoing at Sese/Thalamabele section.

Mr Kooreme encouraged farmers to take advantage of the 35 per cent subsidy on livestock feed and supplements, which effected July 1 and was announced by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security.

The initiative, which will run until June 30 next year, follows government’s declaration of 2018/19 a drought year.

Mr Kooreme said there were no cases of livestock mortality reported, emanating from the drought situation, but reported that the veterinary department was carrying out vaccination of anthrax and black leg in the sub-district.

On other issues, Mr Kooreme said the architecture and building services department had successfully completed the construction of a pre-school classroom block at Malatswae Primary School, funded by the Japanese Embassy.

He said the department was also implementing 13 primary school backlog eradication projects under Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

Mr Kooreme said there were 12 other ESP maintenance projects, three of which being Grace Kgari, St Augustine and Mmashoro schools had been awarded and were at different implementation stages while the remaining projects were at various procurement stages.

Mr Kooreme encouraged councillors as they approach the end of their appointment, to recognise their efforts to improve the livelihoods of the communities they served.

He appealed to the councillors to encourage communities to participate in the coming general election and elect government of their choice in a peaceful manner.

He commended the public officers for the efforts in advancing their pursuit to serve the people. Ends