Otjiwarongo:The Municipality of Otjiwarongo has intensified its enforcement of livestock movement bylaws, prohibiting animals from grazing on townland. This decision comes in response to an increasing number of cattle, goats, and sheep seen near town, prompting stricter measures.

According to NAMPA, municipality spokesperson Adelheid Shilongo explained that the presence of these animals in residential areas poses a potential disease risk, particularly during the current Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. To address this, the municipality resolved to impose fines of N$1,000 on farmers found violating the bylaw, with repeated offenses potentially leading to criminal charges.

Shilongo noted that the municipality is hesitant to impound livestock due to the associated costs of providing food and water. She revealed that four farmers have been fined N$1,000 each this week. The municipality has designated Camps 1, 2, 3, and 4 for grazing on a five-year lease agreement, located six to nine kilometers from the town.

However, some farmers dispute the allegations. Goat herder Immanuel Immanuel, 19, accused municipal officers of issuing unnecessary fines when livestock are spotted near the police roadblock. Immanuel's father received a N$900 fine last week for this reason. Similarly, Anastancia Tjihahe, who keeps her goats in designated camps, claimed officials unjustly fine farmers, stating her livestock have never entered prohibited areas.