THE government has not yet delivered emergency stockfeed to Matobo district two weeks after it launched the Enhanced Drought Relief and Livestock Mitigation programme in Gwanda to curb livestock deaths due to starvation.
Richard Muponde Senior Reporter
Officials said Matobo district had reached alarming levels with over 314 cattle having succumbed to drought over the past few months. Matabeleland South province has been hit hard by drought with 370 000 out of an estimated 556 619 cattle reportedly at risk.
Ward 10 councillor and chairman of the roads and planning committee at Matobo Rural District Council, Alexander Phiri, said villagers were getting worried over the delays.
“I was talking to the project manager Tapson Ncube. He said the feed was supposed to arrive last week, but nothing has arrived yet,” Phiri said.
“However, distribution points have already been set up at Sigangatsha, Kezi and Maphisa. The feed is taking long, but cattle are dying daily and by the time the feed arrives it may not be of any use.”
Two weeks ago, Matobo South MP Gabriel Ndebele accused the government of taking long to intervene and save villagers’ cattle. Ndebele’s call came a week after Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Justin Mupamhanga launched a $2 million livestock drought relief programme for Matabeleland South province.
Mupamhanga said $1,4 million was for stock feed rations, while $600 000 was for vaccines as well as transport to ferry the stock feeds to areas where farmers could easily access it.
