Border fence in shocking state
The lack of structural integrity of the Angolan-Namibian border has permitted illegal entry into both countries of products, livestock and people.
At the weekend Namibian Sun drove along the border fence, which was erected by the Angolan government and this reporter stumbled across a large hole and observed for roughly 30 minutes.
During that time a number of people and livestock moved in and out of Namibia including two men on a bike who were later seen at the now infamous Katwitwi informal market at Oshikango, roughly 100 metres away.
Katwitwi is known for the sale of cheap, but illegal fuel brought in from Angola.
Sugar cane and other products are also brought through into the country.
In a telephonic interview, the governor of Ohangwena Usko Nghaamwa said the Namibian fence was damaged over the years, including during the time of the struggle and it has since, entirely disappeared.
This absence, he added, has led to a number of challenges such as the smuggling of goods into Namibia, negatively impacting the business sector and of course, the government missing out on taxes and other levies.
Foot-and-mouth disease also remains a major challenge as cattle move freely between the two countries.
However, the governor is of the view that Namibian cattle owners “benefit” from the lack of border control as they are able to drive their animals in and out of Angola for both grazing and water.
He says that the absence of a proper border has both advantages and disadvantages to the country and if action were to be taken by the government, it should be done with a well thought-out plan.
“It is not that we do not want the fence to be erected, we want it there but there must be a system put in place,” Nghaamwa remarked.
“At the moment the police must just be strengthened to monitor at the fence and the citizens of both countries must work together and abide by the law.”
Helao Nafidi mayor Eliaser Nghipangelwa believes it is important that a fence be erected.
“Animals are guided by fences and not people.
“The people must just respect the law and follow the right procedures,” Nghipangelwa said.
He added the Katwitwi informal market must be removed.
KENYA KAMBOWE
At the weekend Namibian Sun drove along the border fence, which was erected by the Angolan government and this reporter stumbled across a large hole and observed for roughly 30 minutes.
During that time a number of people and livestock moved in and out of Namibia including two men on a bike who were later seen at the now infamous Katwitwi informal market at Oshikango, roughly 100 metres away.
Katwitwi is known for the sale of cheap, but illegal fuel brought in from Angola.
Sugar cane and other products are also brought through into the country.
In a telephonic interview, the governor of Ohangwena Usko Nghaamwa said the Namibian fence was damaged over the years, including during the time of the struggle and it has since, entirely disappeared.
This absence, he added, has led to a number of challenges such as the smuggling of goods into Namibia, negatively impacting the business sector and of course, the government missing out on taxes and other levies.
Foot-and-mouth disease also remains a major challenge as cattle move freely between the two countries.
However, the governor is of the view that Namibian cattle owners “benefit” from the lack of border control as they are able to drive their animals in and out of Angola for both grazing and water.
He says that the absence of a proper border has both advantages and disadvantages to the country and if action were to be taken by the government, it should be done with a well thought-out plan.
“It is not that we do not want the fence to be erected, we want it there but there must be a system put in place,” Nghaamwa remarked.
“At the moment the police must just be strengthened to monitor at the fence and the citizens of both countries must work together and abide by the law.”
Helao Nafidi mayor Eliaser Nghipangelwa believes it is important that a fence be erected.
“Animals are guided by fences and not people.
“The people must just respect the law and follow the right procedures,” Nghipangelwa said.
He added the Katwitwi informal market must be removed.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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