Staff Reporter
Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to conduct a feasibility study over the next two years on the gradual removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, also known as the Red Line.
This announcement was made by Minister of Information, Emma Theofelus, as part of the Cabinet Decisions issued at the 16th decision-making meeting.
The feasibility study is scheduled to take place during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 financial years. The estimated budget for the study will be determined and submitted to Treasury for appropriation during the Mid-Term Budget Review.
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture has been instructed to establish disease-free zones through the construction of new veterinary fences, gates, the recruitment of additional staff, and the construction of staff accommodation. These initiatives are set to begin in 2027 and continue through 2032, over a period of five years.
The agriculture ministry is also tasked with securing funding for these proposed interventions to create disease-free zones in various identified areas. According to the Cabinet decisions, these areas include: Karikubis in the Kavango East Region, Tsumkwe Constituency in the Otjozondjupa Region, Mangetti East Farms in the Kavango West Region, Mangetti West and Onalusheshete Farms in the Oshikoto Region, Ombuga area in the Oshana Region, Omutambo Maowe area in the Omusati Region, and the Sesfontein area in the Kunene Region.
Photo for illustrative purposes only.
