Country still divided by Red Line

Agriculture minister John Mutorwa says Namibia is still divided by a Veterinary Cordon Fence 26 years after independence.Mutorwa made the remark when he announced the new Meat Board members last week.The fence divides the country into a disease-free southern zone, which is recognised by the World Animal Health Organisation and where most commercial livestock farming happens, and the so-called northern subsistence farming sector. According to Mutorwa the presence of trans-boundary animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and lung sickness is largely responsible for the lack of participation of this important sector in the agricultural economy. He said the ministry was cognisant of the huge amount of work that was being done by the ministry's Directorate of Veterinary Services in dealing with the combating, prevention and eventual envisaged eradication of trans-boundary animal disease in the northern communal areas (NCAs). He said the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in some parts of the NCAs in 2015 was a national setback. Mutorwa said the cabinet decided in 2015 that ideally a border fence should be erected between Namibia and Angola. Consultations between the relevant authorities of the two countries are continuing. Once mutually acceptable agreements are reached, the erection of the proposed border fence can start. The minister said the Meat Board must continue to support the Directorate of Veterinary Services in this regard, as well as other relevant and needed projects. The Meat Board members are Patricia Gurubes (chairperson), Dr Archibald Norval (deputy chairperson), Julene Meyer, Ramana Mutjavikua, Yvonne Howaes, Alfred Namayabona Chilinda, Dr Lucia Ndamonako Marius, Johannes Albertus Balzar and Mary Kalangula. Rosa Katjivena represents the meat manufacturers, Sikunawa Tshiponga Negumbo represents the traders, and Floris van Niekerk represents the agents. The new board will serve until 2020. ELLANIE SMIT

Country still divided by Red Line

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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Country still divided by Red Line

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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