The government has directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to initiate a two-year feasibility study aimed at exploring the gradual removal of restrictions related to the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
The study, to be conducted during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, will assess the potential for establishing disease-free zones across key regions in the country.
“Cabinet directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to undertake the following interventions; Carrying out a feasibility study over a period of two years (2024/25 -2025/26 financial years),” said Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Modestus Amutse on Thursday.
The Veterinary Cordon Fence, commonly known as the Red Line, has long been in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases.
The proposed interventions aim to create disease-free zones by constructing veterinary fences, new gates, and recruiting additional veterinary staff.
The identified regions for these zones include the Mangetti area, Karikubis in Kavango East, Tsumkwe in Otjozondjupa, Mangetti East and West Farms in Kavango West and Oshikoto, Ombuga in Oshana, Omutambo Maowe in Omusati, and Sesfontein in Kunene.
“Creation of a disease-free zones (construction of veterinary fences and new veterinary gates, recruitment of additional staff members and construction of staff accommodation and others to commence as from 2027-2032 for a period of five years,” he said.
The estimated budget for the feasibility study is to be submitted to Treasury during the Mid-Term Budget Review.
The construction phase for the veterinary fences, gates, and staff accommodations is expected to commence between 2027 and 2032, covering a five-year period.
This long-term project seeks to strengthen Namibia’s ability to control animal diseases, improve agricultural productivity, and support rural communities in the identified regions.
