17 Dec 2023

The restocking and compensation of Bobirwa farmers who were affected by the cross-border livestock rustling is expected to commence with immediate effect and the likely duration of the exercise is four months, the assistant minister of Agriculture 

Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi has said. Mr Molebatsi told Parliament that a total of 958 farmers were eligible for the livestock restocking relief programme . This followed a comprehensive assessment and verification of all applications received during phase I and phase II exercises.

He said the livestock restocking relief programme comprised 2 827 cattle, 97 bulls, 367 sheep, 4 890 goats and 296 donkeys for all eligible beneficiaries in Bobirwa.

The assistant minister also explained that the total cost of the relief programme was P36 408 460. 

Breaking it down, he said P21 098 600 was for livestock, operational costs at P12 million and a 10 per cent contingency of P3 309 860. 

Mr Taolo Lucas of Bobonong had asked the minister to update parliament on progress made in the restocking and compensation of Bobirwa farmers and the likely duration of the exercise. ends