Suggestion to ramp up FMD prevention measures in Omaheke

Zebaldt Ngaruka

GOBABIS – Otjinene constituency councillor Eben-Ezer Kauapirura has proposed an urgent regional meeting and additional remedial, precautionary measures to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Omaheke region.

Omaheke region, affectionately known as “cattle country”, accounts for roughly 20 % of Namibia’s total beef production, famous for high-quality meat sent to regional and global markets like the USA, China and the European Union.

Sharing his idea with New Era, Kauapirura said the current outbreak and threat of FMD in the country pose a serious danger to the region and extra control measures must be strengthened to assist the government.

“Our region’s economy, livelihoods, and survival depend on cattle and small stock farming. We cannot sit and wait for central government alone. Omaheke must take its own position and show readiness to protect its farmers,” he said.

The councillor said the region needs remedial, precautionary measures to be more proactive in preventing further spread of FMD, which is currently confined to
//Kharas region.

“Considering these, I propose an urgent regional stakeholders’ meeting to deliberate and adopt an Omaheke Regional Action Plan for FMD. I am also taking this call to the Governor’s office, Omaheke Regional Council chairperson, to convene this important meeting,” he said, adding that it will include stakeholders such as traditional authorities, farmers associations (Omaheke Farmers Union and NNFU), cooperatives and marketing agents, local authorities, veterinary services and the Namibian Police.

On the possible meeting agenda, Kauapirura mentioned that the current FMD status in Namibia and the threat will be one of the topical issues to be discussed, establishment of Omaheke Regional Roadblocks and Patrols, mobilisation of regional resources and budget and resolutions and assignment of responsibilities.

The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) councillor is hopeful that the meeting will establish strategic roadblocks at all entry or exit points into the regions and between constituencies.

“We have main roads from Windhoek, from Botswana border, from the Aminuis Corridor, Otjinene, Eiseb, Otjombinde and Epukiro. There is a need for patrolling crews comprising veterinary officials, traditional authority representatives and youth volunteers from farmers’ associations,” he said.

He emphasised that the meeting must reinforce strict control measures on the movement of livestock, meat, and animal products without permits. “A strong community awareness campaigns through traditional authorities and local radio and other media houses will be one of the key stakeholders in strengthening these remedial precautionary measures,” he said.

Kauapirura said funds are needed to sustain this operation as the region needs its own budget and thus, he proposed the establishment of the Omaheke FMD Prevention Fund.

The Nudo councillor suggests that this fund must be supported by the regional council from its contingency budget, all local authorities, all traditional authorities, marketing agents and cooperatives via per head levy contribution.

“We also propose to the business community in Omaheke, farmers’ associations, individual farmers, villages and voluntary contributions from individuals. This initiative will show that Omaheke is not just complaining, but taking action and ownership,” he concluded.

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