IFP: KZN FOOT-AND-MOUTH DUE TO GOVT INACTION AND POROUS BORDERS
The IFP has blamed the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth epidemic in KZN on the porous border between South Africa and Mozambique and the failure of the national and provincial Departments of Agriculture to reconstruct the "red line" fence that used to protect local cattle in the past.
"The fence between Ingwavuma and the KZN North Coast was vandalised over the last few years and has not been reconstructed despite funds being allocated for this purpose," said Shadow KZN MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development Henry Combrinck MPL.
The IFP has long questioned the tardiness of the provincial Department of Agriculture to spend the R25-million allocated for the reconstruction of the protective fence. "The broken down fence alongside the failure to enforce border controls have resulted in a free flow of infected cattle from Mozambique," said Combrinck.
The IFP also questions the approach of national Minister of Agriculture Tina Joemat-Pettersson who has repeatedly assured the South African public that the epidemic was under control. "The facts on the ground that have so far revealed 300 infected heads of cattle prove that the epidemic is rife and likely to get worse," said Combrinck.
The IFP is dubious about the allegations that the latest foot-and-mouth epidemic has been caused by contact between cattle and buffalo on the run from as far as the Kruger National Park. "This theory does not seem plausible given the distances involved. The more likely cause is the porous border between South Africa and Mozambique," said Combrinck.
The IFP has expressed concern about KZN farmers whose livelihood depends on cattle sales and exports. "It is our farming sector that will pay the ultimate price for government inaction in dealing with the epidemic timeously and decisively," said Combrinck.
Statement issued by Henry Combrinck, MPL, Inkatha Freedom Party Shadow KZN MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, March 1 2011
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