11 Feb 2021

The boundary fence between Namibia and Botswana in Ghanzi District is due for maintenance following the international boundary with Namibia that had been affirmed in 2017, says Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services Mr Kefentse Mzwinila. He noted that the fence, which was approximately 230km in length, was constructed by the South West Africa (Namibia) Veterinary Services in the 1960’s, and that it had been maintained to date by the Namibian government as there was no bilateral agreement or boundary treaty between the two states.

He noted that the fence was in a fair condition, but had suffered disrepair, especially around the Grootlaagte area. Mr Mzwinila said both countries signed a boundary treaty in 2018, and that Article 5 of the treaty stipulated that the maintenance of boundary beacons and any other boundary structures should be on equal cost sharing basis. He said for the treaty to be binding on both parties, there was a need to diplomatically exchange instruments of ratification which was not yet completed.

He explained that the ratification process was expected to be concluded before the end of this financial year. However, he said while awaiting the ratification process, his ministry was engaging their Namibian counterparts with regard to the maintenance of the boundary fence in line with the provisions of the treaty. Ghanzi South MP, Mr Motsamai Motsamai had asked the minister if there were any plans from the ministry to maintain/rehabilitate the boundary fence between Ghanzi District and Namibia in order to reduce cross-border crime, in particular stock theft. Ends