Locusts cut path of destruction

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEK A total of 4 002 square kilometres of land in the Zambezi Region has been invaded by red locusts, with 500 hectares of grazing land destroyed so far. While a team is currently on the ground battling to contain the outbreak, the agriculture ministry needs additional resources to the tune of N$30 million to effectively combat the pests. This is according to agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, who last week gave an update on the outbreak in parliament. He said the ministry has dispatched a team to the region that is using vehicle-mounted mist blowers and knapsack sprayers to combat the outbreak. However, Schlettwein said considering the vastness of the region, this must be reinforced with aerial spraying, while more resources in terms of manpower, fleet, equipment and personnel protective equipment (PPE) is urgently required. The presence of the African migratory red locust was reported on 12 August at Muzi, Namiyundu, Ivilivizi, Lusese, Ihaha, Nakabolelwa, Masikili, Malindi, Ibbu, Ngala, Muyako, Mahundu, Machita, Kikiya, Kanono, Muketela, Linyanti, Chinchimani and Kapani.According to Schlettwein, reports are still coming in daily. A spraying team of 35 staff members trained to combat outbreaks was deployed. “A total of six vehicles, 14 mist blowers and four vehicle-mounted sprayers are being used to combat the outbreak.” Furthermore, the ministry has dispatched 4 175 litres of pesticide to contain the outbreak. The pesticides include Decis, Deltamethrin, Servus, Cyperfos and Klopirifo. Containing outbreak “The African migratory red locust has affected the northern and north-eastern neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Some of the countries are using arial spraying methods that cause the locust to migrate to other countries,” Schlettwein said. He added that to contain the outbreak, the current mode of spraying needs to be complemented with aerial spraying, as the spread is getting intense, and also to prevent the spread of locusts to other regions of the country. Equipment needed Schlettwein said it is also recommended that additional personnel, fleet and spraying equipment be availed to combat the outbreak without delay, as further outbreaks can be expected beyond the affected areas. As a matter of urgency, 15 vehicle-mounted sprayers, 35 mist blowers are needed, as well as four single cab and eight double cab bakkies to transport personnel and equipment. Moreover, 760 litres of Deltamethrin is needed as well as 1 500 PPE, 10 first aid kits, and 40 sets of camping equipment, which includes a gas stove, torch, mattress, snake repellent and mosquito nets.

Locusts cut path of destruction

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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Locusts cut path of destruction

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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