Karasburg:Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has expressed satisfaction with efforts to manage the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the ||Kharas Region, following a two-day visit to assess the situation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Zaamwani visited the Karasburg Veterinary District to evaluate preparedness, inspect control measures, and engage with affected farmers and frontline teams. The visit included inspections of roadblocks at strategic points where vehicles are checked and fumigated to prevent disease spread.

Zaamwani praised the teams for their dedication and respectful treatment of travelers, despite delays caused by long queues during peak hours. Plans are in place to reinforce the teams, with the Karasburg regional councillor assisting in identifying young people for temporary employment to support operations.

The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent control measures throughout the day and night to avoid lapses in inspections. On Saturday, Zaamwani, along with ||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze and Karasburg East Constituency Councillor James Hawanga, examined high-risk areas along the Orange River.

Construction of a cordon fence on farms along the Orange River has begun, with completion expected in four months. A containment zone fence is also set to start construction this week, following the delivery of materials, and consultations with farmers are nearing conclusion.

Zaamwani also met with representatives of affected farmers to discuss the outbreak and coordinate immediate measures in collaboration with the ministry. Most vaccination teams had arrived by Saturday, with the rest expected by Sunday, to begin livestock vaccinations once schedules are finalized with stakeholders.