Farmers turn towns into grazing pastures
22 February 2017 | Agriculture
Without sufficient grass for their livestock, northern farmers are driving their cattle into towns in search of grazing.
Town councils have hired security officers to impound animals found grazing in towns in order to prevent conflict between townspeople and livestock owners.
The most affected towns are Ondangwa, Oshakati, Ongwediva, Okahao and Outapi.
Villages around these towns have not received enough rain for grazing pastures to recover.
According to the Ondangwa town council’s public relations officer, Petrina Shitalangaho, livestock from villages far away are found in the town.
“We have hired security officers to take all the animals found grazing in town to the impounding kraal, but owners are seems to be prepared. They come and collect them quickly and pay the penalty, then they take them back to graze in town again. Some of them load the animals into their vehicle when they see these officials coming,” she said.
“Those who are in need of grass can approach the town council. We will let them cut the grass at no cost to feed their animals at their homes. What we don’t want is them bringing their animals to graze in town.”
Ongwediva town council spokesperson Jackson Muma told Ewi lyaNooli that livestock were destroying people’s backyard gardens.
“People will come complain at the town council about their gardens being destroyed and even demand payment.
“That is why we have hired private security to take all the animals found grazing in town to the impounding kraals. We understand the drought situation, but we cannot allow animals to roam in town.
“If these animals get into the streets and cause accidents, the blame will be placed on the municipality,” Muma said.
Both Muma and Shitalangaho said that despite several efforts to educate farmers on the municipal regulations prohibiting grazing in towns, some farmers were not cooperating.
ILENI NANDJATO
Town councils have hired security officers to impound animals found grazing in towns in order to prevent conflict between townspeople and livestock owners.
The most affected towns are Ondangwa, Oshakati, Ongwediva, Okahao and Outapi.
Villages around these towns have not received enough rain for grazing pastures to recover.
According to the Ondangwa town council’s public relations officer, Petrina Shitalangaho, livestock from villages far away are found in the town.
“We have hired security officers to take all the animals found grazing in town to the impounding kraal, but owners are seems to be prepared. They come and collect them quickly and pay the penalty, then they take them back to graze in town again. Some of them load the animals into their vehicle when they see these officials coming,” she said.
“Those who are in need of grass can approach the town council. We will let them cut the grass at no cost to feed their animals at their homes. What we don’t want is them bringing their animals to graze in town.”
Ongwediva town council spokesperson Jackson Muma told Ewi lyaNooli that livestock were destroying people’s backyard gardens.
“People will come complain at the town council about their gardens being destroyed and even demand payment.
“That is why we have hired private security to take all the animals found grazing in town to the impounding kraals. We understand the drought situation, but we cannot allow animals to roam in town.
“If these animals get into the streets and cause accidents, the blame will be placed on the municipality,” Muma said.
Both Muma and Shitalangaho said that despite several efforts to educate farmers on the municipal regulations prohibiting grazing in towns, some farmers were not cooperating.
ILENI NANDJATO
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