Katima mulilo: The 'Progressive Farmers' of the Zambezi Region organized a peaceful demonstration on Friday, calling for urgent action regarding the prolonged closure of the Katima Mulilo Abattoir. The farmers argue that the closure has significantly disrupted the region's formal livestock market.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the demonstration saw farmers marching from the Katima Mulilo open market to the Zambezi Regional Council. They handed over a petition demanding intervention from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, the Zambezi Governor, and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia.

The petition, read by Hilda Sezuni, highlights the critical impact of the abattoir's closure on the livelihoods of hundreds involved in the livestock industry. Since Zambezi Meat Corporation (ZAMCO) assumed operations from the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) on June 30, the facility has remained closed due to regulatory and compliance issues.

The farmers expressed frustration over previous petitions submitted in March and May this year, which have yet to receive adequate responses from relevant authorities. They raised concerns about ZAMCO's technical and financial capabilities, particularly regarding the non-payment for approximately 770 cattle delivered to the corporation.

The farmers demanded the government's intervention to facilitate the immediate reopening of the abattoir under the management of Meatco or another competent agency. They also called for the settlement of all outstanding payments and requested a verified record of all livestock received and dues owed.

Bernard Sisamu, Chairperson of the Regional Council Management Committee, and Regional Commander Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo received the petition. They assured the farmers that the grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate offices.