Africa-Press – Botswana. Tuli Block farmers in the Tswapong area have expressed a concern regarding poaching, livestock and horticulture produce theft, which has become a regular occurrence at their farms.
The complaints were raised during a meeting with Member of Parliament for Lerala/Maunatlala constituency,
Mr Sethabelo Modukanele on Tuesday, where they also listed solar panels among things thieves regularly stole.
Tuli Block Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Jan-Pierre Roos said such criminal activities had been going on for years and were carried out by some residents of villages adjacent to their farms.
He said such vegetables as potatoes, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes had been stolen at night and some of their cattle killed.
He said they recently lost seven cattle, two elands, four impalas, and a gemsbok.
Mr Roos said the situation had spiraled out of control and quite distressing.
He said the incidents were reported to the police, but there usually was no proper assistance because Martins Drift police was understaffed and appealed to government to increase the number of police officers at Martins Drift Police Station so that the farmers could be properly assisted.
Mr Roos said there were inadequate telecommunication infrastructure in the area and the roads were not in a good condition, a situation that was challenging to businesses.
He also pointed out that Tuli Block hoticulturalists were faced with challenges of delays in permit processing of imported seeds, which worked against their business.
Representatives of Tuli Block employees appreciated their cooperation with employers, but said wages were too low.
For his part, Mr Modukanele said government was planning to build a police station in Lerala, which he hoped would address issues of security.
He said he would engage with the Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi and ask him to visit the Tuli Block farmers and see how best to assist them.
He said he would also engage with other stakeholders to see how they could be of assistance.
Mr Modukanele applauded Tuli Block farmers for creating jobs for citizens.
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