Africa-Press – Botswana. Infamous Notwane River farmer Mr Michael Nhomoinesu whose unhygienic and potentially harmful way of handling vegetables was exposed in a video that went viral on social media a week ago has been advised not to sell his produce.
Meanwhile a technical process will be applied on other farms using grey water.
If they are not compliant, due process will be followed, Minister of Agriculture Mr Fidelis Molao during a visit to some farms at Oodi on Sunday.
Accompanied by Minister of Environment and Tourism Ms Phildah Kereng, Minister of Health Mr Edwin Dikoloti as well as Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr
Mabuse Pule, he said government would embark on an intensive campaign targeting farmers along the river to create awareness on safe use of grey water.
Prompted by the video showing Mr Nhomoinesu washing vegetables in a grey water pond that went viral on social media platforms recently, the campaign would ensure compliance to safeguard the nation’s health.
The farmer informed the delegation that he was not aware that the water he washed the vegetables with was not clean.
“I washed the vegetables thinking the water is clean,” he said quickly tendering an apology for his misdeed and pleading with government officials to show him the right way.
Minister Molao assured the nation that effluent water, if treated to the right levels, could be used to water certain plants.
“As government, we still encourage small scale farmers to grow but if there is clean water that can be used they should continue to feed the nation since we have put a ban on importation of vegetables,” he said.
The minister however urged farmers to strictly follow guidelines on the use of grey water.
He said there was still a possibility that those who flouted compliance procedures such as Mr Nhomoinesu could still be charged.
Mr Molao said there were laid down processes that could be followed to uproot and destroy the vegetables.
Still another way would be to sample the vegetables to test them for any poisonous substances that could compromise safety and health of consumers, he said.
The multi-sectoral approach to this matter was intended to check for compliance straight from land use, to health protocols and agricultural process involved, said Mr Molao.
For her part Minister Kereng said the incident had the potential to tarnish the country’s image and negatively affect the informal sector. She said it was government’s intension to protect and safeguard small businesses as they were the backbone of the economies of many households.
Deputy permanent secretary responsible for water and sanitation services, Mr Nchidzi Mmolawa, said the incident occurred at a grey water pond that had formed due to leakage from a Water Utilities Corporation potable water pipe.
As a result of the incident, his ministry had decided to fill up the pond and cover it, he said.
Mr Mmolawa said water samples from the pond had been taken for testing and results were awaited.
He disclosed that an inspection of Notwane River would be carried out soon since the last one was done in 2011.
Commenting on the stench emanating from the river, he said it was caused by stagnant water due to a blockage.
Mr Mmolawa said concerted efforts by stakeholders and the community were needed to desilt the river.
The area MP Mr Pule said following the circulation of the video, he was inundated with calls from many people expressing disappointment and frustration.
He thanked the ministers for their swift response on the matter.
Mr Pule urged responsible ministries to join hands in fighting unsafe usage of grey water which he said had the potential to taint Botswana’s image.
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