Roaming animals undermine Ondangwa’s urban appeal

Ondangwa’s efforts to maintain its image as a growing urban and business centre are facing a persistent challenge, with cattle, goats and donkeys continuing to roam freely through residential neighbourhoods, business areas and public roads. The uncontrolled movement of livestock has raised concerns about the town’s cleanliness, appearance and general urban environment, as the town council struggles to address a practice that has continued despite previous engagements with livestock owners. With the festive season approaching, the council has renewed its efforts to address the situation, warning that increased movement of residents and visitors could further expose the public to risks associated with roaming animals. Ondangwa spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho Mutikisha said the council had intensified engagements with livestock owners from surrounding villages to find practical solutions to the problem.

“The presence of uncontrolled livestock on roads and within residential and business areas poses risks to motorists, pedestrians, livestock owners and other members of the public,” Mutikisha said.

The latest engagement brought together 40 participants from surrounding villages, including Omakango, Onethindi, Etambo, Enkono, Olukolo, Oshandumbala, Onamenye, Onantsi, Ontanga, Omashaka ga Kamanya, Olunkono and Omapundo.

Mutikisha acknowledged that Ondangwa’s location, surrounded by communal areas, presents unique challenges, including the movement of livestock into the town.

“Council acknowledges that Ondangwa is surrounded by communal areas, a situation that presents unique challenges, including the movement of livestock into the town,” she said. She noted that several towns in Namibia, particularly those situated along the Veterinary Cordon Fence, commonly known as the Red Line, experience similar challenges. Although the council has established mechanisms to impound livestock found roaming within municipal boundaries, with owners required to pay applicable fees before their animals are released, Mutikisha said enforcement alone would not resolve the problem. “Council recognises that impoundment alone is not a lasting solution to the challenge,” she said.

Previous engagements have focused on sensitising livestock owners about municipal regulations prohibiting animals from roaming and grazing within town boundaries. However, the continued practice has raised concerns about compliance and the effectiveness of relying solely on enforcement.

Mutikisha stressed that livestock ownership comes with the responsibility of ensuring that animals are properly controlled and kept outside municipal boundaries. “This is not merely a matter of compliance with municipal regulations; it is also about safeguarding human lives, preventing road accidents, protecting property and maintaining a clean and orderly urban environment,” she said.

The council is calling on livestock owners to work closely with it in addressing the challenge, while residents, motorists and visitors have been encouraged to report cases of roaming livestock through the appropriate council channels. Mutikisha said a lasting solution requires cooperation, accountability and a change in behaviour among livestock owners, supported by consistent enforcement and continued engagement.

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