Govt promises patrols along southern ‘red line’

Officials say the N$122 million Orange River veterinary cordon fence (VCF) will be continuously maintained and patrolled by veterinary personnel and law enforcement agencies.Agriculture ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda told Namibian Sun over the weekend that the fence was being executed urgently as a critical biosecurity measure to control livestock movement along Namibia’s border with South Africa.Muyunda said construction is progressing, with land clearing underway and fence poles already placed along sections of the route.He said construction specifications stipulated that the successful contractor take immediate possession of designated sites and deploy machinery and labour simultaneously across the project areas to meet the four-month deadline.The 155-kilometre fence will run from Haakiesdoorn to Velloorsdrift in the ||Kharas region as part of a wider 185-kilometre fencing project, which includes an additional 30-kilometre stretch between Klein Menasse and Mata Mata.Sandfontein Lodge and Nature Reserve serves as the central operational base for the project, while construction teams are housed at Orabo on Houmsrevier. Work is progressing in both directions, towards Velloorsdrift and Noordoewer.The fence’s design includes a 10-metre corridor equipped with service gates to facilitate routine patrols by veterinary personnel and authorised law enforcement agencies, Muyunda explained."In accordance with standard biosecurity infrastructure designs, the fence specifications provide for a 10-meter corridor equipped with service gates to facilitate routine patrols by veterinary personnel and authorised law enforcement agencies, just like other veterinary fences."However, seasonal flooding along the Orange River could damage sections of the fence, while vandalism and deliberate wire cutting could compromise its effectiveness.Continued maintenance and patrols will therefore be essential to keep the barrier operational and limit unauthorised livestock movement.Land loss concernsThe project has raised concerns among farmers about access to land south of the proposed fence.As previously reported by Namibian Sun, the 10-meter clearance corridor could affect privately owned land and require access gates to reach grazing areas and infrastructure.At Sandfontein Lodge and Nature Reserve, clearing the corridor is expected to affect about 230 hectares, according to previous reporting. The project has also faced a procurement dispute.The Central Procurement Board of Namibia initially awarded the tender to China Jiangxi International (Namibia) and Homefin Properties before cancelling the award and appointing a joint venture involving China State Construction Engineering and Puanchu Trading through emergency procurement.The original bidder challenged the decision in court. On 9 October, the High Court allowed the emergency contractor to continue construction.-phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Govt promises patrols along southern ‘red line’

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-20

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Govt promises patrols along southern ‘red line’

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-20

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