25 Jan 2013

The Ministry of Agriculture has dismissed allegations that veterinary fences in Ngamiland are not patrolled or repaired, leading to free interaction of cattle and wild animals.

The ministry also refuted allegations that there was free movement of cattle and buffaloes from Namibia between Mohembo and Namibia and that the Setata fence which separated 2D and 2C areas was also not patrolled.

Public relations officer at the North West District agriculture office, Mr Bautule Kealatotse said with the help of the Botswana Defence Force, their officers were doing their best to patrol the fences.

He said whenever farmers reported any damaged fence, officials responsible reacted immediately as they were aware of the dangers of not doing so. He appealed to other stakeholders such as wildlife officials and tour operators to assist them as they could not manage this arduous task alone.

Mr Kealatotse urged the private sector and all communities in Ngamiland to work with the department of veterinary services in order to achieve positive results.

He urged them to emulate other agricultural associations in places such as Ghanzi where everyone took responsibility in repairing the cordon fence rather than waiting for the government.

However, some farmers were adamant that the ministry was doing little to patrol and repair the fence. Mr Keabonye Oteng of Chanoga cattle post near Maun said the fence was not repaired and said they lived in fear of another outbreak of the deadly lung disease which left them impoverished.

He urged other farmers to work hand in hand with the veterinary officers to patrol the fence so as to prevent the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Another farmer, Mr Kataree Vemuna, of Ipelegeng cattle post also corroborated what other farmers said about the fences which he described as a death trap for their livestock. ENDS