Placido Hilukilwa
OKAHAO constituency councillor Leonard Shikulo has added his voice to that of the Ongandjela Traditional Authority, warning against the illegal harvesting of Okatalashe.
Okatalashe are small edible caterpillars that feed on tree leaves and are found exclusively in the bush fields of the Omusati Region, mostly in the area inhabited by the Ongandjela traditional community.
Delicious and an important source of protein, Okatalashe is also a source of income for those who harvest it for the market.
But many are not following the procedures laid down by the authorities.
“It is up to the traditional authority to announce the harvest time for Okatalashe and permits are issued to those interested. However, we have noticed that there are some who bypass and totally disregard the process,” said senior traditional councillor Saltiel Iipinge.
The OTA is calling on all those currently harvesting Okatalashe without permits to leave the area immediately or risk being penalized.
Iipinge said that the harvest permit is issued upon payment of N$200 and is valid for the harvest season without regard to the quantity harvested.
However, the penalty for harvesting illegally can be as high as N$1 000.
He said the harvest needs proper control to ensure sustainability.
This was echoed by the Okahao constituency councillor Leonard Shikulo who said that Okatalashe face extinction if the harvesting is not properly managed.
