Windhoek
Electrification of part of the high-risk area of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and the Namibia-Botswana international border fence is expected to be completed this year.
The announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa last week when he presented his technical paper on ‘Change with continuity, co-ordination, consolidation and completion of major MAWF plans, programmes and projects’ n Parliament.
With N$25.8 million available in the 2015/16 Budget for improvement of animal health and marketing in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA’s), Mutorwa said intensification of clinical and serological surveillance will be effected for the NC’s and prophylactic vaccinations against Foot and Mouth Disease and lung sickness will continue in the 2015/16 financial year.
He also announced that the strategy for the eradication of trans-boundary diseases in the NA was finalized but awaits Cabinet approval of funds for implementation. A detailed implementation plan has been approved by MAWF and it was also approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
He essential elements of the plan involve strengthening of veterinary services by bolstering staff capacity in terms of recruitment and skills development, development of surveillance and response guidelines, construction of veterinary infrastructure, procurement of equipment and vehicles, community mobilisation and participation in veterinary activities.
Mutorwa said international collaboration in the management of trans-boundary animal diseases will also be strengthened.
“A major component of the plan entails erection of a border fence between Namibia and Angola and relocation of livestock relying on grazing in Angola to identified grazing areas in Namibia,” concluded.