14 Feb 2024

The 200 kilometres cordon fence construction between Tlhareseleele village and Banyana farms has begun.

The fence is meant  to safeguard cattle in the Barolong area from foot and mouth disease. 

In an interview recently, Dr Jaone Sebina, the project coordinator, said the fence was instigated by the government due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) scare in South Africa’s North West province.

According to Dr Sebina, 102 kilometres along the Molopo River had been cleared of bushes for the fence, with 16 kilometres already fenced. 

He emphasised that the debushing was essential to facilitate patrolling by security agencies.

Dr Sebina clarified that the cordon fence should not be confused with a border fence, as its primary purpose was to prevent livestock from crossing the country’s borders. 

There had previously been no physical barrier along the border line, prompting the decision to erect a cordon fence.

Currently, he said there were  seven contractors on site, with the main task of clearing the area and erecting the fence. 

He said the contractors were supported by 60 fencers from the Ministry of Agriculture, 240 temporary workers from affected villages, and 150 casual labourers. 

The projected completion date for the project is the end of March this year.

Conversely, divergent opinions were expressed during a recent meeting at the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Centre, where district authorities, village development committees, and agriculture ministry officials met. Some expressed concerns that the project could hinder access to natural resources from the river, while others worried about the impact on livestock, which often drink from the river.

Kgosi Morota Tiro of Mabule stressed the necessity of the project to mitigate the threat of FMD, which could potentially devastate Batswana’s cattle population. ends