18 Jan 2013

Kgosi Kgaogano Madema of Semolale has expressed concern about the collapsed cordon fence along the Shashe River. 

Kgosi Madema told a kgotla meeting addressed by Bobirwa MP, Mr Shaw Kgathi in Semolale that due to the state of the fence, livestock frequently crossed into the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) area.

He said, despite recession, something should be done to protect the beef industry in the area.

Kgosi Madema expressed concern that officers who were supposed to mend the fence had neglected it and only rose to action to kill livestock that crossed the fence.

He said residents had taken an effort to mend the fence without the veterinary department officials to protect their livestock from contracting FMD. 

Kgosi Madema suggested that since the youth in Semolale were failing to utilise government programmes, such an opportunity should be accorded he elderly people as they were determination. 

VDC chairperson, Mr Gabana Mosebola expressed concern about the drought that had hit the area.  He suggested that a special programme be designed to assist Babirwa. 

He said Semolale police should be staffed and their fleet increased to enable them combat cross border crime. Another concern residents raised was shortage of water in the area.

Mr Kgathi advised residents to immediately report their burning issues to relevant officers, councillor and the district officer for rapid solutions.  

He said FMD and drought had resulted in poverty, noting that the number of destitute people might increase, hence the need to increase the number of Ipelegeng workers and wages in the constituency. 

He commended Semolale Primary School for an 80 per cent pass rate in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results last year.

He said the Mmamabaka border post would start operation in May and it would help curb the spread of FMD in the area.

The EU team will visit the area in March to assess the status of the FMD, but the MP said according to the state of the fence, the area would not qualify for a free zone ticket.

He informed residents about the amendment of the electoral act, explaining that names in voters roll will be arranged alphabetically.

Responding to the water shortage issue, Mr Lucas Makepe of Water Utilities Corporation said the boreholes in the area had dried up and as result they bowsed water for the villagers. 

However, Mr Makepe expressed hope that by June this year, the water situation would have been rectified. ENDS